What is a key practice regarding the deceased in Judaism?

In Judaism, a key practice regarding the deceased is that someone stays with the body after death, a practice known as "sh'mirah." This respect for the deceased is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, as it reflects honor and reverence for the person who has passed away. The act of remaining with the body serves multiple purposes, including providing companionship to the deceased and ensuring that the body is not left alone, which is considered disrespectful.

This practice is part of the broader rituals surrounding death and mourning in Jewish culture, which emphasizes the sanctity of life and the importance of honoring those who have died. The presence of a shomer (a person who watches over the body) can occur until burial, which is also an important aspect of Jewish funeral customs.

The other options do not align with traditional Jewish practices regarding the deceased. While burial within a specific timeframe is common in Judaism, the emphasis on companionship with the body is a more significant aspect of the rituals surrounding death. Cremation is typically not permitted, as Jewish law emphasizes burial as the correct form of body disposal.