Death & Mourning

Stone wall with Hebrew letters engraved on a rectangular plaque.

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 lovely ritual can be adapted for the loss of any animal companion
Silhouette of a woman and a dog touching noses at sunset, sitting on grass.
“May we have the time /  to navigate our grief / with grace / at a pace  all our own. “
Black and white photo of an orchid stem with several delicate, drooping flowers against a blurred background.
Maggid Eli Andrew Ramer shares a variety of new prayers including a Kaddish and Vidui for the planet.
Blue sky with scattered clouds above tall, rugged sandstone canyon walls in a desert landscape.
“Grief sneaks up on you / It taps you on your shoulder…”
Dried, twisted tree branches on sandy desert ground under a blue sky with distant mountains.
“God who weeps with us all, / hold my aching heart…”
A white rosebud covered in water droplets against a dark green blurred background.
“May we rise in peace, as different creatures…”
A black bird perches on bare branches in soft light with blurred trees in the background.
This creative ritual can be done during a Yizkor service or other gatherings focused exploring on death, dying and legacy.
a family heirloom photo
This guided meditation is designed to be part of a Yizkor service,
Gentle ocean waves at sunset with orange and blue reflections on the water.
“May the love that fills our souls bring peace to our troubled minds.”
Crescent moon in a softly lit sky with clouds in pink and orange hues.
“One day, maybe, the Kaddish won’t scrape my throat raw…”
Willow tree with drooping branches, lush green leaves, and sunlight filtering through, casting shadows on the ground.

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

Get the latest from Ritualwell

Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store.

The Reconstructionist Network