Death & Mourning

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While Judaism places great emphasis on our lives in this world, death is an inevitable end for all of us. Often Jews who have been distant from traditional Jewish practice for their whole lives seek the comfort of traditional Judaism in the face of death. For mourners, whose lives are often turned upside down by death, the traditional practices of mourning can provide structure and comfort. Here you will find resources that address each aspect of the process of navigating death and mourning—from the moment of death, to the burial of the body, the tearing of clothes, the weeklong practice of shiva, and the recitation of kaddish.

 

Latest Rituals

This ritual is designed to support you as you help your loved one to transition peacefully and filled with love. 
“The names go on and on, / the rabbi’s voice unwavering…”
“The candles glow, tender, bright, something like your presence in my heart.”
“Visions of forest-green diminish / until another time.”
“Does she have unfinished business? Someone she needs to forgive her? Someone she needs to forgive?”
“The voice of a hazan may soar to the top of the ark and beyond…”
Were you there, in wisps // of dreams that eluded me? // Maybe you’re off doing whatever // soul work awaited you. Or poof, // evaporated.
My friends will stand // among the trees // saying Kaddish.
I dry her hair // gently, squeezing over her scalp // as she used to do for me

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