The death of a loved one is a very difficult time for anyone, regardless of religion. Most everyone asks the same questions: What do I do? How do I cope? When will the pain end? What next? What now? In Judaism, the mourning period immediately following a death – known as a shiva – is the traditional way in which loss is felt, dealt with, and observed. But mourning is a very complex and time-honored ritual in the Jewish religion, and literature on the subject can be not only educational but also very helpful and uplifting during this period.
Below is a list of books, for both adults and children, offering guidance, solace and information, along with an educational perspective to learn more about shiva, or make the most difficult of times a little easier to navigate.
In Saying Kaddish, Anita Diamant -- author of several fiction and nonfiction books, including the New York Times bestseller The Red Tent -- adeptly covers some the toughest of times and manages to transform them into sources of comfort. The reader will leave this informative book with nary a question on any aspect of Judaism's death and mourning processes -- and he or she will be able to take a deep breath before heading into it all.
When someone dies, there are so many questions―from what to do in the moment of grief, to dealing with the practical details of the funeral, to spiritual concerns about the meaning of life and death. This indispensable guide to Jewish mourning and comfort provides traditional and modern insights into every aspect of loss. In a new, easy-to-use format, this classic resource is full of wise advice to help you cope with death and comfort others when they are bereaved.
Through a collection of writings on Jewish mourning customs and healing, Riemer demonstrates that the Jewish tradition offers much to those who seek help in time of need. The essays are written by a variety of individuals; contributors range from members of the Jewish Orthodox tradition to members of the Jewish Reform movement.
Written by Maurice Lamm, a rabbi of one of the most popular synagogues in the United States, this book provides readers with comprehensive information about traditional Jewish mourning rituals and customs. Lamm primarily covers Ashkenazi mourning customs commonly practiced in the United States.
The Living Memories Project features more than 30 interviews with celebrities and others who tell how they transformed their grief into constructive and creative action. This upbeat and uplifting book demonstrates that any tribute -- big or small -- can be a meaningful way to preserve memories of loved ones. Each chapter offers a rich first-person history that will provide comfort and inspiration to anyone who has experienced a loss. Not everyone can create a foundation, fund an orchestra or make a documentary film, but the authors' hope is that readers will find inspiration from the wide range of actions they read about.
Rabbi Marc Angel’s intriguing text discusses how adults can cope with and come to terms with losing one parent or both. The narrative touches on a topic not often discussed in a straightforward manner.
Samuel Heilman's book provides readers with a well-thought-out ethnographical narrative that touches on his personal experience with Jewish mourning as well as the historical origins of Jewish mourning customs and traditions. Heilman, a professor of sociology at Queens College of the City University of New York, also explores various aspects of Jewish mourning, including the preparation of the body, the transitional period between the death, the burial and the shiva.
When Hirshel Jaffe, a rabbi and avid runner, was diagnosed with a type of leukemia, he was understandably stunned and unsettled. A physically active New York native in his late forties, Jaffe found it difficult to come to terms with his diagnosis and illness. Together with James and Marcia Rudin, Jaffe created a narrative of his personal experiences, emotional journey and time in remission.
Rabbi Pesach Krauss’s text provides anecdotes and narratives that help to understand the many elements of Jewish mourning. The anecdotes touch on the families and individuals that Krauss has counseled throughout his career.
Rabbi Harold Kushner tackles the universal question, “Why me?” in his New York Times best-selling book. After coming to terms with his young son's terminal illness, Kushner decided to put his thoughts, experiences and questions into words. The thought-provoking and well-written text can be a useful resource for individuals of all faiths.
Naomi Levy was a spirited fifteen-year-old when her father was murdered in a senseless holdup that destroyed not only his life but her trust in a loving God. Healing took a long time, yet from her struggles with grief, anger, and depression, she forged the wisdom that made her, at twenty-six, a beloved rabbi--and now makes her book a miracle of honesty, recovery, and compassion.
This story is a warm, wonderfully wise, and strikingly simple story about a leaf named Freddie--how Freddie and his companion leaves change with the passing seasons, finally falling to the ground with winter's snow.
Nursery magic is very strange and wonderful, and only those playthings that are old and wise and experienced like the Skin Horse understand all about it. "What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"
This selection describes the Jewish tradition of burial and mourning. It includes an explanation of the term "Sitting Shiva" and of the rich symbolism of mourning ribbons, covering mirrors, memorial candles, the meal of consolation, unveiling and other practices of the Jewish Heritage.
Waterbugs and Dragonflies is a graceful fable written by Doris Stickney who sought a meaningful way to explain to neighborhood children the death of a five-year-old friend. The small book is beautifully illustrtated by artist Gloria Ortiz Hernandez.
Sad Isn't Bad offers children of all ages a comforting, realistic look at loss--loaded with positive, life-affirming helps for coping with loss as a child. It's a book that promotes honest and healthy grief--and growth.
Norma Simon offers three stories to help children talk about death--an uncle with a terminal illness, a classmate killed in an accident, and a grandparent.