Jewish law's prohibition against cremation faces mounting challenges as contemporary Jews increasingly question traditional burial practices. Through analysis of biblical, Talmudic, and halakhic sources, combined with pastoral case studies from congregational experience, this Conservative rabbinic perspective examines the religious, theological, and practical foundations for maintaining ground burial requirements. The traditional mandate stems from biblical precedent, the concept of imitatio Dei, and respect for bodily sanctity, while opposition to cremation is rooted in its pagan associations, concerns about bodily desecration, and modern death-denial culture. Special consideration is given to complex scenarios including AIDS-related deaths and family cremation requests, revealing a spectrum of rabbinic responses from absolute prohibition to limited accommodation. However, examination of classical Jewish texts and contemporary responsa demonstrates that halakhic obligations ultimately supersede individual preferences. While pastoral sensitivity remains essential, the compelling theological arguments for burial, reinforced by post-Holocaust Jewish consciousness, support maintaining the traditional prohibition against cremation, requiring careful balance between compassionate counsel and halakhic integrity.