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

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

A yizkor prayer, or prayer of remembrance, to be recited upon visiting the grave of a loved one

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

A ceremony incorporating psalms, prayers and comforting support

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

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

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

A poem in preparation of saying a name for the first time

A poem to make make space for mourning during the Passover seder

Ceremony with friends and officiant including song and a ritual handwashing

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