Question:

How can a chaplain obtain talleithim for use in funeral services overseas?

Answer:

Chaplain Aryeh Lev at headquarters submits the following reply:

"In this country, bodies of Jewish soldiers may be prepared according to the wishes of the parents. The body is brought to the denominational undertaker and properly placed in the coffin ready for burial either at the home cemetery or a national cemetery.

"Overseas and especially in time of war such elaborate preparations cannot be made. In war conditions the body is buried as soon as possible so as to avoid decay or despoiling by the enemy. Burial parties work even under fire and they could not be expected to carry about with them talleithim to place on the Jewish dead."

The CANRA agrees with Chaplain Lev. Machneh Yisrael, Chapter 40, says, "The slain is buried without Taharah and in his garments and shoes See also Shulchan Aruch, just as he is found. This of course applies to Orach Chayyim 364, 4. The bodies the boys fallen in battle overseas, of soldiers who die in this country may be claimed by their parents and the funeral provided for by them.