The purpose of Jewish funeral and burial requirements is both to honor the deceased and to provide comfort to the mourners. The requirements include ritual cleansing of the body, clothing the body in white shrouds and prayer shawl, male only, and the use of a simple wooden coffin. The funeral service is simple and prescribed by Jewish law. A rabbi should be consulted before autopsy. Jews consider physicians as instruments through whom God can effect a cure.
Medical treatment is viewed as one means to help achieve good health.
In every U.S. war, Jews have served in the armed forces as a necessary act of defending their country and of helping to maintain it free and strong. Throughout its venerable history, Judaism has come into contact with many peoples, religions, and creeds. Judaism does not seek to supplant other religions, but rather to labor with them in honorable fellowship to bring about the universal peace and justice on earth, and the light of God to the hearts of all men. Belkin, S. In His Image. God Man and History.