STRANGE FUNERAL

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 12 September 1930, Page 8

STRANGE FUNERAL

CEREMONY WITH NO CORPSE

JEWISH LAW BOOKS BURIED

For the first time in the history of British Jewry a burial service took place a lew weeks ago over a grave in which lhere was no body.

The “corpse” consisted ol the- remains of Hebrew Books of Law, partially destroyed by the lire last March at S pita I fields Great Synagogue, Fournier Street, London. These hooks of Law. which are hand-written scrolls bv Jews who devote a lifetime to the work, and know the laws by heart, are among the most treasured possessions of the Jewish faith. The lire at- Lhc SpitaKields Synagogue was regarded by orLliodox Jews as a calamity on account of the partial destruction of the Books of Law, which were reputed to be among the oldest in the country. Hundreds of orthodox Jews from all parts of London gathered at the oemeterv at Enfield for one of the .strangest ceremonies ever observed in England. Remnants of sacred scrolls which were partially destroyed by the lire were solemnly buried. According to ancient rital, these remains of sacred books of tlie law were encased in tin earthenware vessel, which was reverently lowered into a grave six feet square and five feet deep.

Special prayers, rarely beard in Britain. were recited as the earth was thrown into the grave until the vessel was hidden from view.

Mr. Deicliovsky, president of the Spitiiliiehls Synagogue, said : “The idea of burying these fragments of the scrolls dates hack io the cradle of Ilte Jewish race. The idea is that the scrolls, which are Holy W fit, are sacred, and when they are damaged proper respect must he shown. They must not be cast away casually, and custom dictates that they should receive reverent burial.’’