Jewish Coffin Prices In South Africa

What is Jewish Coffin

The deceased is buried in a simple pine coffin. The deceased is buried wearing a simple white shroud (tachrichim). The body is guarded or watched from the moment of death until after the burial.

Jewish Coffin Prices In South Africa

How Much Do Jewish Caskets Typically Cost?

Like any casket, the cost for Jewish caskets differs significantly depending on the style, embellishments, type of lining, and wood used. On the more budget-friendly end, you can find a simple, traditional pine box for around $400.

On the other end, however, some of the most elegant caskets can easily cost around $14,000 and higher. When it comes to Jewish caskets, almost anyone may find a casket that fits their wishes and budget.

What Are the Different Types of Jewish Caskets?

Even though caskets must be crafted from wood and contain no metal whatsoever, this rule hasn’t limited the creative mind of casket makers. You can find numerous types of caskets from the simplest versions created in pine to caskets crafted with the finest of woods available. 

1. Pine box

A pine box casket is the most traditional of all Jewish caskets and is used widely by many Orthodox and traditional observant families. The beauty in this box is its purposeful lack of adornment. While expertly crafted, the casket itself is made entirely of pine.

Most of these are simple wooden boxes with flat tops. Some come with rails for pallbearers, though most do not. Many pine boxes have holes drilled in the bottom to allow dirt to come up through the casket to touch the body. This simple option will always be the most budget-friendly of all casket prices. Another benefit is that you can easily buy pine caskets online. 

2. Casket with straw bedding

Straw bedding is used in most simple caskets such as pine, poplar, or redwood boxes. This allows a minimal barrier between the person who is laid to rest, the box, and the ground.

Straw bedding caskets are ideal for families who are orthodox, conservative, or strictly observant and want to follow the orthodox manner of burial. This option can be added to most any casket, from the simplest box to the most elaborate casket.

3. Crepe lining

If you prefer a more stylish lining than the traditional straw, you might consider a crepe lining.

Usually white or beige, this type of lining comes with more elaborate caskets. If you desire a fancier casket, such as those with a hinged lid, you’ll be able to add crepe lining. 

4. Embroidered lining

Caskets with crepe or linen lining can be personalized through embroidery on the fabric on the hinged lid of the casket. This is a popular choice for many who desire to add special touches to their loved one’s caskets.

Though embroidery can be customized, many casket makers offer the following premade options:

  • “Mother” with roses or flowers
  • “Daughter” with flowers
  • “Shalom” with vines
  • Star of David
  • Menorah

Traditional Jewish funerals do not have open caskets, so the embroidery serves solely as a special touch from the family to their deceased loved ones.

5. Shroud

For families that prefer an even greener burial than the simple pine wood box allows, there are a number of “green cemeteries” that allow the burial of the deceased in wicker baskets or simple shrouds, as is the tradition in Israel.

If a green burial is chosen with a shroud, there will be no casket and the body of the deceased will be lowered into the burial plot as-is. 

6. Solid oak

The better the wood you choose, the more expensive the casket will be.

There will also be fancier decorations to accompany the higher pricing, but keep this in mind and shop according to budget. Solid oak caskets have a beautiful hue whether or not they are presented with an unfinished exterior or finished and polished to a high shine. 

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7. Redwood

Redwood is a deep-hued wood with a dark, lustrous stain. For those who want a casket that will serve as a beautiful, final resting place, redwood caskets would be a good option.

Caskets made of redwood can be as simple as the traditional “pine box” or made to look fancier. Redwood is a nicer wood than pine and you may prefer a casket with a rounded lid, embellished sides, and pallbearer handles. As with any Jewish casket, this will be made entirely of wood, and no metal elements.