When my state became the first in the nation to legalize “human composting,” I was approached by members of my community who wanted to choose this for their disposition after death. This set me down a course of research and study, reflection and writing about how we can approach this new technology through a Jewish lens, in order to meet the needs of those who are making these choices not despite, but because of, their connection to Judaism.
Since then, I have had occasion to present on this topic in a number of places, as well as included in articles on the subject. I also had occasion to officiate at my first funeral for someone who chose to be composted.
Below I have collected some resources as we continue as a Jewish community to meet this moment:
A source sheet on Sefaria about Jewish values and texts that inform the conversation
A PowerPoint presentation I used at my most recent presentation at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association
An essay I wrote for Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations
An article in the Forward in which I am quoted
A prayer I composed for one who is choosing natural organic reduction, published on Ritualwell
A live recording of the Evolve podcast on the subject
And, while I disagree with the conclusions, the Conservative Movement’s teshuvah on the subject
Thanks for continuing the conversation!