Why Do Jews Put Israeli Earth in a Casket?

Earth from the land of Israel

Placing earth from the land of Israel in a Jewish burial is a tradition that goes back many generations.

Used twice during burial

The earth is used at two points:

• During the tahara: a small amount is placed with the person. (What is a tahara?)
• At the cemetery: a little more is placed on top of the casket during the burial.

Why bring earth thousands of miles?

For thousands of years, Jews have lived all over the world, but the land of Israel has always been part of our story. This small handful of earth represents that connection in a way you can actually see and touch.

Connected, wherever we are

So even when someone is laid to rest thousands of miles away, we place a little of the land of Israel with them, because no matter where in the world a Jew is, they're still connected to their heritage and homeland.