Actor Mandy Patinkin has revealed his unconventional plan for his remains after death: human composting. The 73-year-old shared his decision on his podcast, "Don't Listen to Us," explaining that both traditional burial and cremation are unacceptable to him.
Patinkin described himself as "very claustrophobic" and finds the idea of being confined in a box for burial unbearable. "The idea of being put in a box, knowing that I'm going to be in a box when whatever I'm familiar with is drastically changed is just unacceptable to me. Period. Full stop," he stated.
His Jewish heritage, particularly a connection to the Auschwitz crematorium, also influences his decision. "The other idea of being put in an oven is seared into my heritage genetics of the crematorium in Auschwitz, which I've visited," he said. "I can't bear the idea of being burned."
While Patinkin identifies as a "conservative Chicago Jew," he noted Orthodox Judaism's teachings regarding the afterlife. He explained that Orthodox Judaism dictates one should not interfere with the body, even an autopsy, to ensure completeness for the Olam Haba, or the world beyond, and for the eventual resurrection when the Messiah comes.
"I can't deal with the oven and I can't deal with the box," Patinkin said. "I love this idea so much because I don't have to be burned, and I don't have to be claustrophobic. I'm naturally put in this encasement that you've just described. I'm free to go to the Olam Haba, the world beyond, as complete. And then the organic process turns me into, you know, mulch, food, soil. And I'm not in an oven … I just am ecstatic over this."
The concept of human composting was introduced to Patinkin by a guest on his podcast who discussed her husband's desire for an earth-friendly burial. Human composting involves placing a body in a vessel with organic material, where a controlled process of heat, oxygen, and moisture breaks down the body over approximately a month. The resulting soil can then be returned to the family. Mandy Patinkin starred as Jason Gideon in "Criminal Minds." Mandy Patinkin performs onstage at The Ziegfeld Ballroom during a gala.