Vayechi-Sefer Chasidim: Escorting the Dead 3

When Abraham wanted to buy a burial place for Sarah, :Abraham accepted Ephron’s terms. Abraham paid out to Ephron the money that he had mentioned in the presence of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels in negotiable currency.” (Genesis 23:16) Abraham did not bargain for a better price because he wanted to show that we do not economize when it comes to honoring the dead, and we do not skimp on burial expenses.

Burial of the dead should not be delayed. Those who sell the shrouds and other burial needs should not demand immediate payment so as not to delay the burial. Therefore, every community should appoint a trusted person to be in charge of purchasing the burial needs, who later collects the expenses from the heirs. (Sefer Chasidim #737 – Translated by Avraham Yaakov Finkel)