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

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.

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.
A poem in preparation of saying a name for the first time
rows of empty pews

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

closeup of matzah

Ceremony with friends and officiant including song and a ritual handwashing

wedding band on a piece of wood

A prayer for the year of mourning and the journey of widowhood

Close-up of dark, jagged leaves covered in raindrops, with a blurred background.
Advice for coping with the devastating loss of a child
Person sitting on a railing, looking at a calm sea during sunset, under a clear sky.

A ritual on concluding a year of saying kaddish

person standing in a sunbeam at the end of a shady path
An article about the power of traditional mourning practices for healing and an idea for a new ritual
Black ribbon elegantly curled on a plain white background.
An article discussing the issues around Orthodox women saying kaddish
shadow of veiled woman in a window