Shomer for the Dead

Good evening, What is it necessary to watch over a dead body before burial? And what level of importance does it hold. For example- if only a family member is available and they have been at the hospital for a long time, and staying by the body might cause health and/or emotional concerns. Thank you!

Shalom! 

Thank you for your question. 

Indeed, there is a requirement to ensure that someone is present with the deceased until burial. This person is known as a “shomer’ –“guardian.” 

There are several reasons for this enactment. One reason is to ensure that the body does not come to desecration through mice, fire, or robbery. Another reason is to show honour to the deceased by guardian the body and not abandoning it like something unimportant. 

Having said that there is room one can be lenient in certain instances, and if you don't find someone to take your place you may leave, since this is called beshat hadchak.

 Brachos 18a; Rema YD 373:5; Gesher Hachayim 5:4:4; Chochmas Adam - Kuntrus Matzeves Moshe 14; Igros Moshe YD 1:225; Sisri U’magini 41