136 Selected Reform Responsa
throw quicklime on the grave to avoid the spread of the plague (Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 374 Pithei Teshuvah; Jacob Reischer Shevut Yaakov 11#97). Furthermore, the laws of mourning could be modified or suspended in these sad times(Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 374.11 and commentaries).
Although these modifications were readily undertaken, the
basic rites of burial were followed as closely as possible. In other words. there is no doubt that in times of mass deaths, when a large proportion of the community had fled, some normal honors accorded to the dead were no longer possible. Yet there was no question about faharah or any matter connected with burial or the preparation for burial.
The local funeral director is obligated to perform taharah
and to treat AIDS victims as all other dead in accordance with local custom and the specific wishes of the family. The funeral director would be encouraged to take all possible precautions to prevent infection by AIDS.
April 1988