Mourning & Bereavement

people embrace in tears

Traditional Jewish mourning and bereavement practices are designed to help us bear our grief. But sometimes we need something more: a poem that captures our imagination, a creative ritual that addresses the particularity of our grief, a song that speaks to our heart. May you find a measure of comfort in your time of need.

Latest Rituals

“Visions of forest-green diminish / until another time.”
Tall trees with yellow autumn leaves and fallen leaves covering the ground in a serene, sunlit park.
“The voice of a hazan may soar to the top of the ark and beyond…”
An old rusty pickup truck drives fast across a dusty desert with mountains in the background.
Were you there, in wisps // of dreams that eluded me? // Maybe you’re off doing whatever // soul work awaited you. Or poof, // evaporated.
A small ruby-throated hummingbird perched on a branch against a blurred green background.
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.
“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 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.

The Reconstructionist Network

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Discover how Jewish folklore and personal memory can spark new poetry—join this creative immersion with poet Susan Comninos. 

Give voice to your own stories through the timeless power of myth and writing.

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