When a proposed state law dealing with unclaimed bodies was announced, Kentucky shluchim intervened to ensure that Jewish burial is protected.

The bill, introduced by Senator Greg Elkins, would give local governments the option to determine how to handle unclaimed bodies, either through burial or cremation, when no family members can be located within a defined time period.

Once that period has passed, the local authority would be permitted to authorize the disposition of the body. The legislation was designed to give counties greater flexibility and reduce long-term storage costs, particularly in rural areas.

When the bill was introduced, the Rebbe’s shluchim in the region became concerned that it could lead to the cremation of Jewish remains, especially since cremation is almost always the option chosen by governments due to lower cost.

“That’s when we realized we had to step in,” Rabbi Shlomo Litvin, a Kentucky Shliach, told Anash.org.

“They were changing the law in Kentucky to allow coroners to cremate bodies if they are not claimed,” Rabbi Litvin said. “Chabad stepped in, engaged directly with lawmakers, and after significant effort, state law is now going to instruct coroners to contact Chabad every time a Jewish body is unclaimed, to ensure proper kvurah.”

Cremation is strictly forbidden according to halacha and has been rejected by all sectors of Jewish tradition. Kevurah is a fundamental mitzvah, rooted in the sanctity of the body and the belief in Techiyas HaMeisim, one of the core foundations of Jewish faith. The issue carries added sensitivity in light of Jewish history, when millions were denied proper burial during the Holocaust.

Under the current version of the bill, coroners are directed that if a deceased person is known, or believed, to be of Jewish descent, they must first contact Chabad of the Bluegrass, directed by Rabbi Shlomo Litvin, before authorizing cremation. Chabad has committed to covering the cost of burial in such cases.

“This is the first time in the United States such a law has been passed, and we couldnt be more appreciative of the Senators who took the time to ensure the needs of the Jewish community ” Rabbi Litvin noted, referring to legislation that explicitly directs state authorities to a Jewish organization to prevent cremation and ensure kevurah.

The bill passed the committee unanimously and awaits a vote on the Kentucky Senate Floor.