why do Jewish people bury their dead right away? What is the time frame?

Answer 1

In the past, embalming was not used, so bodies were buried as soon as possible for hygienic reasons. The dead are gone and they are buried but it is important for the living to keep on. Making arrangements is one way to remain in the land of the living, so to speak. The usual time frame is the next day (unless the next day is the Sabbath - no funerals on Sat. or Holy Days) or if the family needs time for people to come from out of town. After the funeral, the family has "Shiva" (meaning 7) which represents the seven days that people will come to the home of a family member (the spouse, the oldest child, etc.), share a meal and memories, and have an in-house prayer service. This is done instead of a viewing at the funeral home.

Answer 2

We bury our dead within 24 hours of death. Further, between death and burial, there must be a Jewish person with the body at all times. Even today, a person is not embalmed. They are dressed in a simple linen shroud and buried in a plain pine wood coffin (these last two help ensure that no person goes into debt funding a burial).

The simple reason is that it is what G*D tells us to do in the Torah. The practical reason probably has to do with sanitation and hygiene.

Answer 3

Traditionaly it's within 8 days of death and while I don't know why it's probably based on the Old Testament.

Answer 4

Muslims do the same thing.
Of course Jews and Muslims are the only monotheistic religions.

Answer 5

I believe that it is within twenty four hours and I don't remember why.