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

“Blessed are those who couldn’t take the pain of living anymore”
person in silhouette looking out at foggy blue pink sky with tree in background
“It was on an island of death / That my mother / Visited me.”
person with backpack on standing outdoors looking out onto a misty sky with blurry landscape in the distance
“Why is it that I couldn’t know them more fully?”
black and white photo of drooping white flowers
“It is a cosmic principle … the Eternal Mystery”
Close-up of splashing water droplets with a blurred background, capturing dynamic motion and fluidity.
“It’s a wonder / How comfort arrives: / From what source?”
Woman in a white dress walking along a sandy beach with gentle waves in the background.
“We will return to you, / you will return to us.”
Close-up of green grass blades with a warm, blurred sunlight background.
“I want to know this: did God see you / trying as hard as you could / to live?”
A person wrapped in a blanket stands overlooking a mountainous landscape with a lake and a cloudy sky.
“You can’t bring them back, but you can learn their Torah”
a black and white photo
“Help us feel the companionship of families, friends, ancestors and the Divine Presence”
A diverse group of people embracing in a church setting.

“Help us to find holiness in this time”

Person resting in a hospital bed, with an IV drip attached and medical equipment nearby.

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

Support Ritualwell’s free offerings and events and receive a weekly guide with prompts and practices for each week of the Omer.

Ritualwell is here for you! Join us for community eventsand creative inspiration to do this spiritual work. 

Get the latest from Ritualwell

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

The Reconstructionist Network