Kentucky Law Says Chabad Has Say on Unnamed Bodies

Kentucky has passed a new law requiring authorities to contact a religious organization before cremating an unclaimed body, in an effort to ensure burial in accordance with the deceased’s faith where possible.

The legislation, sponsored by Republican State Senator Greg Elkins, allows coroners to proceed with cremation but obligates them to first reach out to any religious group that has volunteered to assume responsibility for burial.

Earlier versions of the bill explicitly referenced Chabad, but the final version was broadened to include any religious organization willing to take on that role. Chabad of the Bluegrass has already committed to covering burial costs for Jewish individuals who would otherwise be cremated.

Rabbi Shlomo Litvin, director of Chabad of the Bluegrass and chairman of the Kentucky Jewish Council, who was involved in advancing the legislation, welcomed the broader language.

“If someone can be buried with dignity, and according to Jewish law, instead of being cremated against their beliefs, that’s what matters,” he said, adding that the model could be adopted in other jurisdictions.

Under existing Kentucky law, a permit is required before cremation can take place. The new measure adds a step intended to prevent cremation in cases where it may conflict with religious practices.

Jewish law prohibits cremation and requires burial in the ground. Religious authorities note that cremated remains are generally not interred in Jewish cemeteries, and traditional mourning practices may not be observed in such cases.

Supporters of the law said it addresses a gap in current procedures and provides a mechanism for religious communities to ensure that burial practices align with their beliefs, even in cases where individuals are unclaimed at the time of death.