Burial symbolism matters even though cremation is permissible

Jewish burial practice involved laying the body in a tomb until decay, then collecting bones into an ossuary (bone box sized to the femur). Ossuaries were labeled and stored in family tombs. The direction of burial pointed toward Jerusalem and the temple, expressing belief in resurrection. Mike argues that funeral symbolism is important regardless of method for honoring the dead and projecting faith. For those who cannot afford burial, God meets the poor where they are — Old Testament sacrificial law accommodated the poor (two turtledoves as substitute offering).