Query on mourning

Question:

Dear Rabbi,

1. Are women permitted to join a burial procession to the cemetery site?
2. Can they participate in the mud throwing process?
3. Can they give a eulogy?
4. Is it a custom or a law to not involve the ladies in the last rites of the departed body?

Kindly shed light.

Thanks and Regards,

Answer:

Hello,

1. It is permitted for women to join the burial procession to the cemetery, there are however certain considerations. When a woman is a nida, according to kaballah she should not go to a cemetery, however if it is important, one can be lenient with this. Additionally, there are communities, (such as in Eretz Yisroel) that the descendants of a deceased man, both male and female, do not go after the coffin to the cemetery. This would depend on the customs of the local chevra kaddisha, and if they are particular about this, they will announce it.
2. If they are in the cemetery, I am not aware of any reason why they can’t participate in covering the coffin, (it is not a mud throwing process..).
3. In orthodox circles it is not the accepted practice for a woman to speak in front of an audience of men, especially if she will get emotional.
4. Regarding the last rites, and saying viduy etc., before the soul departs should be done not in the presence of women or children, or even men that are ignorant and won’t be able to control themselves as they might come to cry, and this will discourage the sick person. (Yore Deah 338-1). Additionally, there is a preference according to kabbalah that a woman especially if when a nida not to be in the room when the soul departs, and if possible that the men that are there should have been to the mikvah (Gesher Hachaim pg. 45).