DEUT1025 Th[e] regard for the innate dignity of the human being extends in Judaism beyond his lifespan. The human body in death, although now abandoned by the soul, must still be accorded respect and reverence. This is the underlying principle reflected in the Jewish rituals and practices of burial and mourning. Scripture tells of a meth mitzvah: If a human corpse is found in a field, the nearest community is obligated to bury him [Deuteronomy 21:1-9; see T.B. Baba Kamma 81b). The Talmud rules: Should the body of an unknown person be found even at a time when everyone is intent on observing some mitzvah, such as reading the m'gillah on Purim, which must be done at that specific time (Purim eve), the dead man must nevertheless be buried first. Imagine a synagogue packed with impatient men, women and children, and many of the adults have fasted all day (the Fast of Esther): how impatiently they wait for the Purim m'gillah to be read. Yet, they must all wait. The dignity of man, even in death, comes first (T.B. Megillah 3b).