Views regarding cremation vary greatly from religion to religion, and even sometimes within a religion. Orthodox Jewish beliefs do not condone cremation. However, Reformed Jewish communities and some Conservative Jews are more lenient. While they do not necessarily encourage cremation, they are accepting of it.

Traditional Jewish customs believe in returning the body as a whole to the earth from which it came. The body does not undergo an autopsy (unless in extenuating circumstances), it is not embalmed (unless required by the state), and no makeup is applied. Furthermore, it is never left unattended from the time of death through burial; it is guarded by a shomer at all times. Once the body is washed and purified, it is dressed in a simple white shroud and placed in a wooden casket with no metal or adornments.

Cremation is a desecration of the body according to Jewish beliefs. Burial of the body allows the soul to slowly descend to heaven, whereas cremation is an immediate process. With burial, the body and casket are able to naturally biodegrade and become one with the earth once more. As the Bible states, "For dust you are, and to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19).

Conservative or Reformed rabbis may still conduct traditional Jewish funerals for individuals who have chosen to be cremated. Depending on their beliefs, they may or may not be present for the interment. If cremation is something that an individual desires, they may wish to speak to their rabbi about this option and its impact on the rest of the funeral and burial processes.

Until more recently, and according to traditional Jewish law, cremation was not condoned, so it is not common to attend a Jewish funeral where the body has been cremated.