Ohel (Shrine)

By Crusader1307

In Traditional Jewish Funerary Customs, Burials after death MUST be down within several days. The use of embalming and other preservation methods, are frowned upon. It is believed that the body is nothing more than a ‘’shell’’ after The Soul ‘’leaves’’ and the quicker the Shell naturally (and quickly) decomposes – the better. Normally, fairly standard Headstones and Ground Vaults are used. However, since biblical times, certain Members of The Community were given special treatment, even in death. While Kings were buried in Tombs, wealthier types – while still buried ‘’below ground’’, were afforded a large, structure called an ‘’Ohel’’. Often confused with a Mausoleum, Ohel’s are stone Rooms (with roof and doors), which are placed directly over The Deceased. Visitors could them come, go inside (with seating provided, of course), and remember or pray for The Dead (below). Some Ohel’s are VERY ornate and elaborate, to include (later) electrical lighting. The common explanation also given according to Judaic Law, is that The Ohel ‘’separates’’ ‘’The Living’’ from ‘’The Dead’’ (whose decomposing bodies are seen as impure).