no less so than embalming corpses and then putting them on display before placing them in the ground to be devoured by worms.
Wow. You're into all KINDS of sick ____, aren't you?
Which, according to the bible, the Egyptians did with Joseph. Poor Joe, he had no clue how that was gonna hurt....
Actually, religious Jewish funerals occur very quickly, typically within 3 days of the death, sometimes even quicker. And the bodies are NEVER embalmed, and there's no viewing of the body: There's a seven day period of mourning, but it occurs after the funeral.
My grandfather wanted to be burried in his talit (prayer shawl), in a plain pine coffin. My family didn't feel comfortable with a "pauper's burial," so they did insist on a "nicer," stained coffin, but to honor his wishes, there was no metal in the coffin.
Mark