Ask the director

QUESTION: What is the weirdest outfit a family has requested?

T.J., London, England

Dear T.J.,

Traditionally, Jewish people are buried in a shroud, which is a white linen shirt and pants with no pockets. It is symbolic of all people coming into the world with nothing and leaving on the same level. For further information on the Tachrachim (shrouds), speak to your rabbi. That being said, I have received requests for all sorts of things to be worn by the deceased, from a favorite hat to comfy pajamas. None of them struck me as weird, however. They were all things that helped a family through the grieving process and made them feel better.

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