This is an excellent article from Kveller on how to make a difficult shiva call. Frankly, all shiva calls are difficult. You are going to the home of a mourner and sitting with their terrible grief. How to Make a Tragic Shiva Call offers eleven rules that can apply to any shiva call. As the…
Read More »Death & Mourning
Death and Shiva (on video)
Sometimes it’s easier to learn about something by watching a video. That can be especially true when the thing you are learning about is a sensitive topic. G-dcast has created a number of videos addressing elements of Jewish life. This one, on Jewish mourning practices, covers the basic issues that you will encounter in regard…
Read More »The Practicalities of Shiva
Some of you know that I receive just about all of the synagogue e-newsletters. Sometimes the rabbis use that vehicle to contact their members. Not long ago I received an email from a Conservative congregation who had a recent loss. It is a useful way of illustrating some aspects of Shiva practice. The rabbi said:…
Read More »Loss of a Pet
In December my sister died. There was Jewish ritual and community to gather around me and comfort me. Just two months later my beloved old dog died. A dear rabbi friend told me, “all deaths will bring up previous losses and these two deaths come very close together. Don’t be surprised if you feel a…
Read More »Burial and Mourning in Jewish Tradition
Burial and Mourning in Jewish Tradition A unique opportunity for interfaith families to learn about a difficult topic-issues around death and mourning, from your own family’s perspective. Is cremation OK? Can my partner and I be buried together? Join Dawn Kepler and Robin Reiner for a short introduction to Jewish traditions and a lively, open…
Read More »Sitting Shiva
Observing death in a Jewish home In any family it is important to discuss how people will respond to a death. In an interfaith family this is particularly important because there is no shared tradition to fall back on. Here are some basics about Shiva, to help you understand the role of observing shiva and…
Read More »