1. Can a Rabbi conduct a funeral for someone who has been cremated?
This is another question where it's hard to give a straightforward answer. A 1986 report by the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards states that cremation is against Jewish tradition and should be advised so by the Rabbi. The report goes on to say that if your family ignores the Rabbi’s advice, the Rabbi may still choose to officiate the service at a funeral parlor before the cremation. Afterwards, the ashes should be buried in a Jewish cemetery making sure the ashes make contact with the ground.
2. Should the family honor the deceased’s wishes to be cremated?
For some families, deciding to cremate the remains of a loved one can be difficult if family members have differing views on the practice. Those that allow cremation believe that children should follow the wishes of their parents. However, if the wishes contradict their own religious beliefs, they are not obliged to follow them.
3. Will Jewish cemeteries bury cremated remains?
In most cases yes. No rule in Jewish law prohibits the burying of ashes. Most cemeteries will agree to the request and the majority of families that cremate loved ones choose to bury the ashes afterward. In some cases, a cemetery may refuse burial in order to deter others in the Jewish community from choosing to have a loved one cremated.