Kentucky Bill Seeks to Prevent Cremation of Unclaimed Jewish Remains Through Contact With Chabad

A proposed bill in the Kentucky State Senate aims to prevent the cremation of unclaimed Jewish bodies by requiring local authorities to first contact Chabad of the Bluegrass and offer the opportunity for a proper Jewish burial.

Senate Bill 27, introduced by Republican State Sen. Greg Elkins, would shorten the amount of time coroners are required to search for next of kin before proceeding with burial arrangements for unclaimed bodies. Included in the legislation is a specific provision addressing religious concerns, particularly for the Jewish community.

Under the bill, if a deceased individual is known to be of Jewish descent, coroners would be required to contact Chabad of the Bluegrass—or any successor organization—to determine whether it is willing to cover the costs of burial before approving cremation. Similar accommodations are included for other religious groups that have formally notified the state of their willingness to assume burial expenses for their members.

Rabbi Shlomo Litvin, director of Chabad of the Bluegrass in Lexington, explained the urgency behind the proposal, noting that cremation has become increasingly common in the United States. “Cremation is now almost 50% of burial plans in America,” Rabbi Litvin told JNS, adding that coroners often face significant financial pressure when an individual passes away without family to claim the body.

While Rabbi Litvin acknowledged the fiscal realities driving the legislation, he stressed the severe religious implications for Jews. “Being cremated is a tremendous affront to our religion,” he said, pointing out that Jewish law strictly prohibits cremation and mandates burial in the ground.

To address the issue proactively, Chabad of the Bluegrass, together with the Kentucky Jewish Council, reached out to state officials and coroners across Kentucky with a clear proposal. “We don’t only have a problem, we have a solution,” Rabbi Litvin said. “We would be happy to pay for an internment for any such person.”

He emphasized that Chabad has already contacted every coroner in the state, offering to handle all associated costs—including transportation, burial, and funeral services—whenever an unclaimed Jewish body is identified. The goal, he said, is to ensure that every Jew, regardless of level of observance or synagogue affiliation, receives a burial in accordance with Jewish law.

Rabbi Litvin encouraged Jewish leaders in other states to take similar preventative steps. “I absolutely would encourage Jewish leaders to get involved beforehand,” he said. “Doing it afterwards is far more work.”

His approach drew praise during a Jan. 21 committee hearing on the bill, where the chairman noted the value of early engagement. “Thank you, rabbi, for reaching out—not after the fact,” the chairman remarked, “but getting involved right away.”

If passed, SB 27 would represent a significant step in safeguarding kavod hameis—the dignity of the deceased—while balancing the practical concerns faced by local governments, and could serve as a model for similar efforts nationwide.