Did you ever notice that when the news channels want to show the ultimate desecration that protesters have for an opposing country, they display pictures of flag burnings or forms of our leaders burned in effigy? Tragically, in the year 1244, when gentiles wanted to disgrace our religion, they took 24 wagon loads of torah scrolls, Medrash and the Talmud and burned them in the center of Paris. Around that period, Maimonides' books were also defamed through burning. We burn that which we wish to discard, humiliate or degrade. Before pollution concerns, we routinely burned our garbage as a quick elimination of a problem.  But we never burn or discard something holy or precious.

The experts have predicted that in the very near future a full 50% of United States dispositions of human remains will be cremated.  After death, families will choose to turn their loved ones into ashes, gases and vapor.  Unfortunately this practice has influenced Jewish families as well and more and more are considering this end.  I think it behooves us to look at our Jewish teachings and traditions before such a decision is made and since our reaction to death is really governed by how we lived, lets begin there. 

Our belief is that all of creation was made to assist humans on their journey. Why else can we slaughter animals and enjoy their succulent meat? Why can we skin leopards for their beautiful fur? Why are we 'better' or more important than beautiful trees that we use for gorgeous wooden bookcases?

Practically everything we do and own, shouts the message of a higher purpose. But this comes with a price – you – humans – better be greater – wiser, and even holier than the rest of creation and you better have an elevated calling, because if not,  then we should be vegetarians and maybe we should think of building nursing homes for old chickens that should never see the inside of our ovens.