Mourning Rituals

The rabbis mandated a simple wooden coffin to equalize people in death and to enable the return to dust.

A Jewish ritual cleansing of the deceased fulfills the verse from Ecclesiastes 5:14, "As we come forth, so we shall return."

Rites for mothers and fathers are more demanding than those for other relatives, even siblings, spouses and children.

Two moving renditions of Yizkor to recite in addition to, or in place of the traditional Yizkor prayer.

Getting up and walking around the block marks the end of a week of mourning.

How do we mourn without a body?

A prayer of remembrance.

Kriah, or tearing of a piece of clothing, helps mourners confront the reality of death.

The ritual meal after a Jewish funeral.

An overview of Jewish death and mourning practices.

The Jewish tradition explains how converts are to mourn, whether a wedding should be postponed and the kohen's delimited relationship to the dead.

The daily prayer services in the mourner's home offer community and connection to those facing devastating loss.