Ron Wolfson

Sephardic Customs During Shiva

A number of Sephardic shiva customs involve individual and communal study.

The Jewish Funeral, or Levaya

A Jewish funeral is held as quickly as possible after death and usually includes readings, a eulogy, and a special memorial prayer.

Questions and Answers About Jewish Funerals

Common questions about Jewish death and burial customs.

The Casket, or Aron

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

How to Make a Shiva Call

Because a shiva call requires total sensitivity to the needs of the mourner, the tradition mandates appropriate behaviors for the visitor.

Jewish Funerals: What to Expect When You Go

Bad news, unfortunately, travels fast. It can be helpful to know in advance what to do when attending a Jewish funeral.

How to Mourn Stillbirth and Neonatal Death

New Jewish guidelines for coping with the loss of a child.

Death and Special Issues of the Body

An overview of autopsy, organ donation, and cremation in Jewish tradition and practice.