The Columbia, Nationality and Religion

[heidi]

I don't know why this bugged me, but it did.

This picture was on the front page of The Miami Herald yesterday morning. A cross, marking the place where they found remains of one of the Columbia crew, and flowers placed at its base.

Why a cross, when there's a 2 in 7 likelihood that the person whose remains were there was not a Christian? Ramon was Jewish, and as I understand it (Madhuri can correct me, I'm sure) Chawla was Hindu.

While I certainly respect the dedication of the searchers, who spent their time searching for something to be able to bring to the families of those killed, I can't help but find their mode of marking, well, problematic. I won't say offensive, because I am sure it wasn't done with any negative feelings, but possibly simply out of ignorance.

I've gone to churches before - I've gone to Catholic and Protestant-denomination funerals - but the marker where a Jewish man lays - or has laid - should not be designated with a cross.

It contrasted sharply in my mind this morning with the fact that NASA has made a concerted effort not to drape any of the coffins bearing remains with the US flag alone, as Ramon was an Israeli citizen. They, at this point, don't know whose remains are in those coffins, and the consideration shown is remarkable.

I just hope that even though the original intentions may have been good, if it's learned that Ramon's or Chawla's remains were at that location marked with the cross, that the cross is removed and replaced with something more appropriate.

Comments

[heidi8.livejournal.com]

There are many laws. Jewish law demands simplicity in burial -- the least expensive caskets, no embalming, and the use of burial shrouds.

Jewish burials take place as quickly as possible, following a principle of honoring the dead (k’vod hamet). Only if immediate relatives cannot arrive in time from abroad, or there is not enough time for burial before Shabbat or a holiday, are burials postponed for a day. Anything less is considered a "humiliation of the dead." Cremation is also officially forebidden, but it is sometimes done. Just before the funeral begins, the family members tear their clothing, or put on pins attached to torn black ribbons.

After the burial, it is customary for the family to sit Shiva (in mourning). This was traditionally done for seven days, although many Reform and other Jews now sit Shiva for three days, and some for one day. Traditional Jews cover all mirrors during this time and sit on Shiva benches, however less observant Jews do not. It is customary for friends and family of the deceased as well as friends of the deceased's relatives to pay a Shiva call to the designated location where people are sitting Shiva, usually at the home of a close family member. Jews do not send flowers, but when paying a Shiva call it is appropriate to bring food, because the person mourning is not supposed to worry about such mundane matters. However, placing flowers at a gravesite is not considered inaprorpriate.

[skalja.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see now why it would be best if Ramon's remains were found quickly (well, besides that being best in general). Thanks for the info.