Did Winehouse's funeral violate Jewish law?
'An increasingly significant number of Jews are choosing cremation,' one rabbi explains
A floral tribute is left outside Amy Winehouse's home on July 24, 2011 in London.
Is it true that Amy Winehouse was Jewish? How can that be if she was cremated, and had so many tattoos, which are against Jewish tradition? —Jewish in Los Angeles, via the inbox
Indeed, Amy Winehouse was a post-millennial queen of Jewish soul, as much of a spiritual daughter of Abraham as Carole King.
Winehouse's parents, Mitchell and Janis, gave their daughter
a Jewish funeral, but some aspects of the farewell were decidedly less traditional than others:
Yes, the funeral reportedly was overseen by a rabbi, with prayers in Hebrew and English. Winehouse's family also
plans to sit shiva, the traditional Jewish approach to mourning. But Winehouse was also, indeed, cremated, which is, as you mention, not in line with Judaism.
Rabbi Mark S. Diamond, Executive Vice President of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California, of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, said he was saddened to hear of Winehouse's death.
Story: Winehouse's father says 'good night' to late singer He also explained why the cremation was unusual.
"This is a very sad tragedy, a human tragedy," he said. As for cremation, "it's clearly prohibited in Jewish tradition." The reason: Jews believe they were created in the image of God, and should return to God as intact as possible—no embalming, even, if possible.
In fact, the rabbi says, the issue is considered so serious that, even if a Jewish person expresses a preference for cremation in a will, "you are able to, and often even encouraged to, disregard that directive."
That said, well, we're living in 2011—"the modern world," Diamond says.
"An increasingly significant number of Jews are choosing cremation. It's not something I would encourage, but we live as a part of the world."
Story: Winehouse's phone was hacked, reporter claims The cremation wasn't the only non-traditional thing about the Jewish Winehouse. She also wore tattoos, which, historically, are not desirable for Jews.
"That goes back to the Bible," Diamond confirms.
"But that in no way would absolutely preclude someone from being buried in a Jewish cemetery. We live in the 21st century, and Jewish people, particularly young Jews, have a wide variety of practices and beliefs, customs and rituals, that respect a blend of traditions."
No matter how her parents designed her memorial, it was likely the best way they thought they could find some peace. And I say amen to that.
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Father's farewell
Mitch Winehouse, the father of the late British singer Amy Winehouse, arrives at Golders Green Crematorium in London for a ceremony for his daughter on Tuesday, July 26.
Amy Winehouse died at her London home on Saturday, July 23, at the age of 27. The cause of death has not yet been determined. (Luke Macgregor / Reuters) Share Related story Winehouse's father says 'good night' to late singer
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