Jewish Mourning
Themes in Death and Mourning
Though traditional sources on the laws of mourning are quite detailed and specific, an acquaintance with this legal literature reveals a number of overarching themes and principles.
Contemporary Issues in Jewish Death, Burial and Mourning
Multi-faith families, neonatal loss, autopsies and suicide
Who Mourns for Whom?
Jewish law details which family relationships require traditional mourning practices.
Viddui: The Deathbed Confession
Traditional and liberal possibilities for this little-known practice
A Yizkor prayer for stillborn and infant deaths
A contemporary rabbi offers a prayer to be recited throughout the year by parents who have suffered neonatal loss.
How to Mourn Stillbirth and Neonatal Death
New Jewish guidelines for coping with the loss of a child.
Autopsies and Jewish Law: An Orthodox Perspective
Contrary to popular belief, Jewish law does not have an absolute prohibition on this post-death procedure.
Judaism and Suicide
Taking one's life is officially a violation of Jewish law, but many contemporary rabbis recognize that most suicides result from struggles with mental illness.