Is it permissible for a Kohen to attend the funeral of a non-Jew, such as if he has a non-Jewish neighbor or business associate whose relative passes away? As we know, the Torah forbids Kohanim from coming in contact with Tum’a (ritual impurity), and they may therefore not be under the same roof as a Jewish corpse. The question thus arises as to whether this applies to gentile corpses, as well.
It must first be clarified that we deal here only with a ceremony held in a funeral parlor, as opposed to in a chapel or church; there is no question that one may not attend a service in a chapel or church.
As for ceremonies held in funeral parlors, this question hinges on the issue debated already in the Talmud as to whether gentile corpses transmit Tum’a in the same manner as Jewish corpses. The Gemara in Masechet Baba Mesia (114) records the view of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai that the remains of a non-Jew are not included in the law of "Tum’at Ohel," the status of impurity obtained by being present under the same roof as a corpse. According to Rabbi Shimon, a person obtains Tum’a through direct contact with a gentile corpse, but not by being under the same roof as a gentile corpse. (This is as opposed to a situation of being in the same room as a Jewish corpse, which certainly results in Tum’a.) This view would allow Kohanim to attend the funeral of a non-Jew, since one does not contract Tum’a by being present in the same room as a non-Jewish corpse. Several leading Rishonim (Medieval Halachic scholars), including the Rambam, the Ramban, the Rashba and the Ritba, follow Rabbi Shimon’s position. By contrast, Tosafot (Talmudic commentaries by the Medieval French and German scholars), based on a Mishna in Masechet Ohalot, rule that one contracts Tum’a even by simply being present in the same room as a gentile corpse.
The Shulhan Aruch follows the lenient ruling of Rabbi Shimon, that one does not contract Tum’a by being under the same roof as a gentile corpse. He adds, however, that a Kohen should preferably avoid such situations as a measure of stringency. Thus, if a Kohen must attend a non-Jewish funeral in the interest of maintaining peaceful relations or as a professional formality, then he may do so, provided, as mentioned, that it is not held in a church or chapel. If he can somehow excuse himself from attending, it is preferable that he do so, though if he feels he must attend he may, in accordance with the Shulhan Aruch’s ruling.
There is no prohibition at all for non-Kohanim to attend the funeral of a non-Jew in a funeral parlor.
Summary: A Kohen may attend the funeral of a non-Jew if it is not held in a church or chapel, though it is preferable to avoid doing so, unless his attendance is necessary as a social or professional formality.
