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

A fresh translation of the El Maley Rakhamim to remember the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust

two long rows of yahrzeit candles some of them lit
A poem for shiva seeking comfort after a difficult loss
cup of tea with cookies and tulips

Reflection on the death of a child

An elderly man wearing glasses and a suit, standing in front of a bookshelf filled with books.

A confessional to be recited on behalf of one who is unable to speak at the end of their life

hands on top of hands
A yizkor prayer, or prayer of remembrance, to be recited upon visiting the grave of a loved one
grave with a wreath of flowers

Based on the model of creation, this seven-part ritual focuses our intention and then consecrates the final resting place for our loved ones

Weathered tombstone with small stones placed on top, surrounded by greenery.
A ceremony incorporating psalms, prayers and comforting support
grey ribbons

Traditional memorial prayer in which God is asked to shelter the soul of the departed for eternal life

abstract blue smoke shape

Traditional memorial prayer in which God is asked to shelter the soul of the departed for eternal life

abstract blue smoke shape

We remember those whose lives were lost, and pray for a more tolerant and just future

A hand holds an open book with Hebrew text, with a blurred background.

The Reconstructionist Network

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