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Learning Center | Shiva, Jewish Mourning

Learn about the customs and traditions of Shiva and Jewish mourning. Read about making a shiva call, visiting a shiva, sitting shiva, what to bring or send to a shiva, and preparing for a shiva.

Prayers and Services | Shiva, Jewish Mourning

In the Jewish religion there are certain prayers recited to honor the passing of loved ones, celebrate their life, and help with coping during the mourning process.

Honor and Commemorate| Shiva, Jewish Mourning

Find out how to honor, commemorate and memorialize your loved ones within the Jewish faith, including information on’ the Yahrzeit, unveiling, memorial plaques and more.

Yahrzeit, Yizkor & Kaddish Center

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Yahrzeit Calculator

Learn the customs of Yahrzeit, lighting Yahrzeit candles and reciting prayers to honor your loved ones. Also, find out about Yarhzeit date converters and reminders.

Yizkor | Shiva, Jewish Mourning

Yizkor is the memorial service held four times throughout the year on certain holidays. Find a list of Yizkor dates and use the Yizkor date calculator to find an English or Hebrew Yahrzeit or Yizkor date to know when to say a memorial prayer.

Shiva Planning Services

Complimentary and personal planning services to answer questions and assist families with the planning and coordinating of shiva, free of charge.

The Living Memories Project

Complimentary and personal planning services to answer questions and assist families with the planning and coordinating of shiva, free of charge.

Jewish National Fund | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Shalom Memorial | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Jewish Funerals Texas | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Weinstein Chapels | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Weil Funeral Home | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Miles Funeral Homes | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Levitt Weinstein | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Goldman Funeral Group | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Waldheim Cemetery | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Roth-Goldsteins' Memorial Chapel | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

The Ira Kaufman Chapel | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Brezniak Funeral Directors | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Ascher Zimmerman Funeral Home | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Schlossberg & Solomon Memorial Chapel | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Sinai Chapels (SC) | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Gutterman's | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Ralph Schugar Chapel | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Sol Levinson & Bros. Funeral Home | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Sisskind Funeral Service | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Kraft Sussman (KSFS) | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Goldman Funeral Chapel | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Feldman Mortuary | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Sagel Bloomfield | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Hodroff-Epstein | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Epstein Memorial Chapel | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Goodman-Bensman | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Amherst Memorial Chapel | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Crawford Mortuary & Crematory | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

J.S. Goldstein Funeral Home and Monuments Inc. | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Plaza Jewish Community Chapel | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Sinai Memorials | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Arlington Park Funeral Home | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Jacksonville Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Palm Beach National Chapel | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Orlando Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Allen J. Harden Funeral Home | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Miami Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Daytona Beach Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Vista Funeral Home | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Lohman Funeral Home Ormond Beach | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Jewish Funeral Group | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Raleigh Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Montlawn Funeral Home | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

San Mateo Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Skylawn Memorial Park | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Tucson Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

East Bay Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Chapel of the Chimes Hayward Funeral Home | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Nashville Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Crawford Funeral Home | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Cleveland Akron Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Las Vegas Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Portland Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Oklahoma City Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Charlotte Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Dallas/Fort Worth Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Long Island Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

Long Island Jewish Funerals and the Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Atlantic City Jewish Funerals | Yahrzeit & Yizkor Education & Services | powered by shiva.com

The Yahrzeit and Kaddish Center contains tools, resources and guidance to help you remember and honor loved ones. Find prayers, information, products and services to commemorate the lives of family and friends.

Periods of Mourning

While shiva is a very specific period of mourning, there are stages before and after shiva that have particular significance. In fact, shiva is merely one of many defined periods of grieving within Judaism. Below is a list of the others, each of w...

How to Help

Shiva in the Workplace

Ending Shiva

Getting up and walking around the block marks the end of a week of mourning. A mourner usually enters the initial and most intense period of formal mourning, shiva, at an emotionally fraught moment: the completion of burial.

How is Shiva Observed

Shiva begins immediately following the burial and lasts for seven days, ending after the morning service on the seventh day. Shiva is not observed on the Sabbath (Friday at sundown through Saturday at sundown) or on holidays. While shiva is the...

What is Shiva

In Judaism, the first period of structured mourning is shiva. The word "shiva" has different meanings across different cultures and in Hebrew it means "seven." Shiva, as it relates to Jewish mourning, is the seven-day mourning period for the im...

3 Ways to Support a Family Sitting Shiva

There are many ways to offer condolences and show your support for a Jewish family. 3 traditional ways to support a family sitting shiva include 1) Pay a shiva call, 2) Send a shiva basket, 3) Personalize your condolences by planting a tree or mak...

Workplace

Times of grief and loss can be especially difficult for employers and employees to manage.

How Sitting Shiva Can Help

From a practical standpoint, the shiva process and practices associated with Jewish mourning add structure to the life of a mourner following a death. In the period after suffering a loss, a mourner may be comforted by the structure and routines p...

Mourner's Kaddish

Kaddish has been said for nearly 2,000 years to honor and commemorate parents who have passed away. Kaddish must be said in a quorum of 10, which is called a minyan. Before saying Kaddish, a portion of the Torah must be read. Reciting the Mourner'...

Preparing the Shiva House

There are many traditional rituals and customs of Jewish mourning and sitting shiva. Some people, however, may choose to observe only those traditions which are meaningful to them and may be less traditional in the customs they decide to follow. In p...

The First Meal

The first meal eaten by the mourning family on their return from the burial is the seudat havara'ah. The seudat havara’ah is considered a private meal to be shared among immediate family members, not a public event where condolences are offe...

Mourner Observances

Whether you are sitting shiva or visiting a shiva home, you will encounter various types of observances: Some are traditional while others are more liberally interpreted. Below, you will see the definitions of some of the more traditional fulfillment...

Who Sits Shiva

What to Wear to a Shiva

COVID-19 Coronavirus - Social Distancing and Jewish Mourning, shiva

Engaging in Conversation

Contrary to usual interactions, visitors should typically avoid initiating conversations during a shiva call.

What to Say

During this time friends and family, make a condolence call referred to as a making a shiva call. Outlined below are guidelines and suggestions for what to say and how to engage with mourners at a shiva.

How to Act

In the traditional sense, visitors making a shiva call customarily enter the house in a quiet and non-intrusive manner.

What to Expect

Traditionally, a shiva home is a solemn place. Friends and family gather in a central location to comfort mourners throughout the shiva period. It is important to check the local paper or the funeral home to see what time of day the mourners are r...

Children and Shiva

Although children below bar/bat mitzvah age are not obligated to sit shiva, some children may choose to participate. The decision to follow the traditions of Jewish mourning, and/or keep some of the mourning restrictions, will vary with the age, matu...

Comforting Jewish Mourners: Nihum Avelim

Nihum Avelim (comforting mourners) is considered one of the classic forms of kindness in Jewish tradition.

How to Enter a Shiva Home

Guidance on what you may encounter when first arriving at the shiva home, along with appropriate ways to enter the apartment or house.

Making a Shiva Call

As a comforter, making a shiva call is one of the most important acts of condolence. But all too often, those visiting a mourner's home are not sure of the appropriate behavior.

Kosher Sympathy Gift Guide

Discover the best kosher sympathy gifts to offer comfort and support to those mourning a loss, while honoring Jewish traditions and religious restrictions. Find a wide range of appropriate and thoughtful kosher sympathy gifts.

What is Appropriate Food to Bring to a Shiva

Appropriate foods to bring or send to a shiva include bagel and pastry platters, deli platters, sweets, fruits and nuts, and family meals. It is important to consider the family’s dietary restrictions and preferences when choosing what to br...

What is a Shiva Basket

When selecting a sympathy gift to express your condolences, consider the timing, personal meaning, practicality, respect, and thoughtfulness of the gesture.

How to Express Condolences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

How to express condolences and provide support when there is no shiva. Although it is common in the Jewish faith to pay respects by visiting a shiva, there remain many ways to express condolences. Learn more.

Food & Condolence Baskets, Shiva Gifts

When a death occurs, there is a heightened sensitivity and awareness about the ways each religion, faith and culture may observe different traditions, rituals and customs relating to burial, visitations and mourning practices.

American Independence Park

American Independence Park, outside of Jerusalem, is a vast forest area that opened on July 4, 1976.

Create a Plaque and Memory Page

It is a widely-observed Jewish tradition to commemorate the death of a relative or loved one on the walls within a temple.

Sympathy Messages and Quotes

It is not always easy to craft the perfect message in honor of a friend, co-worker or loved one who has passed away so we have compiled examples to inspire you, lead you down the right path or simply use as your own.

Flowers and the Jewish Mourning Tradition

In many faiths and cultures, sending flowers to the funeral home or the home of those who have lost a loved one is a kind gesture and an appropriate sympathy gift.

Plant a Tree in Israel

Planting a tree in Israel in memory of a loved one is a time-honored tradition that is symbolic and heartfelt.

Make a Donation

It is a Jewish custom and part of the foundation of Judaism to perform an act of tzedakah, or charity, to honor the memory of the deceased.

Food Safety at Shivas and Memorials in a Coronavirus World

Handling, storing and serving food safely should always a priority, however in a Covid-19 world when people are gathering for events such as shiva’s and memorials and food is served buffet style, it is prudent to take additional precautions.

Post COVID-19 Planning a Jewish Funeral: “New Normal”

The “New Normal” for Jewish funerals is yet to be determined and will reveal itself for months if not years after the Covid-19 or Coronavirus crisis subsides. Slowly social gatherings rules will loosen and people will gradually be allowed...

A Guide to Preparing the Shiva Home

Shiva planning requires attention to detail, which can be difficult to achieve in the short period of time that shiva planning allows. It is the shiva coordinator, or family representative’s responsibility to assist with completing the prepa...

Shiva Food and Catering

It is extremely common, and at times essential, for food, meals and dessert items to be offered during a shiva. Over time, the presentation and availability of food at a shiva home has become a central focus point for the shiva planning process.

The Shiva Coordinator

Understanding the details of planning a shiva can be overwhelming. In general, very shortly after the loss of a loved one the mourning family begins preparing for the funeral, burial and shiva.

How to Plan a Shiva

The shiva begins upon returning to the home after the burial of the loved one. Immediately following the passing of a loved one, in the midst of grief and the beginning stages of the mourning process, there are a number of decisions made relating to ...

Placing a Stone

Within the Jewish faith, it is customary to leave a small stone on the grave. The visitor positions the stone on the grave using his or her left hand. Placing a stone on the grave serves as a sign to others that someone has visited the grave.

Visiting the Cemetery

A very important part of the Jewish tradition is visiting the gravesite, after someone has passed away, which expresses that you have not forgotten your loved one. But how often should you go? Are there customs and traditions for when you should visi...

The Unveiling

Within the first year after the passing of a loved one, mourners and their family gather at the gravesite for a ceremony called the unveiling, the placing of the tombstone.

Find a Funeral Home

Researching, identifying and selecting an appropriate funeral home for the memorial service and burial of a loved one can be a sensitive and overwhelming process.

Jewish Funerals and Burial

Based on Jewish laws, traditions and customs, a Jewish funeral usually takes place within one day following the date of death and these are solemn and reflective services followed by a gathering at the mourner’s home, which marks the beginning ...

Minyan Service

A minyan service, or prayer service for mourners, is generally held daily for the duration of the shiva.

Yizkor Sermon by Rabbi Pamela Gottfried

Remembering an event or person from the distance of time changes the way we feel about the very thing or person that we are trying to keep intact.

The Power of Prayer

Few phrases are more difficult to recite than "Adonai dayan ha-emet," the pronouncement the bereaved make at the funeral, affirming that "God is the true (or righteous) judge."

Kel Maleh Rachamim (Prayer of Mercy)

The Kel Maleh Rachamim (translated to mean “God full of compassion”) is a remembrance prayer for the soul of the departed that is recited by a cantor at a Jewish funeral.

About Kaddish

Developed in the Middle Ages, Kaddish is a prayer whose recitation, over time, became the obligation of mourners. This recitation is neither a biblical nor a rabbinic mitzvah. Rather, it is a strongly held custom.

Plant a Tree to Honor and Commemorate

Planting a tree is a beautiful living tribute to honor one’s memory. This beautiful, eco-friendly tradition of memorialization is an appropriate way to express condolences. Trees are both symbolic and physical representations of history and lif...

Jewish Calendar Info

The Hebrew or Jewish calendar is a lunar based calendar. It is used by many today primarily for the observance of Jewish religious holidays, feasts, fasts and festivals.

Placing a Stone

Within the Jewish faith, it is customary to leave a small stone on the grave. The visitor positions the stone on the grave using his or her left hand. Placing a stone on the grave serves as a sign to others that someone has visited the grave.

Naming a Child

There are different traditions, rituals and beliefs relating to the naming of a child in Judaism: Some Jewish families name a newborn after a deceased relative, while others may honor a living family member. Regardless of which tradition is followed,...

Plaques and Yahrzeit Walls

It is a widely observed Jewish tradition to commemorate the passing of a relative or loved one on the walls within a temple. All temples and many organizations devote an area within or near the sanctuary to memorializing those that have departed on a...

Yahrzeit

The word 'Yahrzeit' is Yiddish and is translated to mean "time of year". In Judaism, there is a focus on carrying on the memory of those before us from generation to generation. Based on Jewish law, the Yahrzeit is the day one year following the deat...

Jewish Holidays & Traditions

Judaism is filled with rich traditions and customs that are most obvious during the religious holidays. Each Jewish holiday is generally classified and placed into one of three different categories (major, minor and modern), which helps to indicate t...

Loss of a Parent

While grieving the loss from any death is unique, the death of a parent presents a life changing crisis for all in the immediate family. No child – no matter the age – should expect a parent’s death to have little or no impact

The ‘New Grief’: How Families Grieve and Navigate Emotions After a Loss

As we endured the COVID-19 pandemic a new grief emerged including the loss of connection and traditional grieving together. Explore the evolution and how technology and resources can help.

Understanding Survivors Guilt

When misfortune strikes and we remain unscathed and grateful, some may feel a sense of guilt, and ask, “Why not me?” This is called survivor’s guilt. Survivor’s guilt is when a person feels guilty because they survived a life-...

COVID-19 Loss, Grief & Gatherings During the Holiday Season

As the holiday times are upon us we generally look forward to spending time with family and friends. Here are suggestions for self care and ways to help friends during the holidays.

Post-Covid-19 Funerals, Gatherings & PTSD

As the social distancing and gathering rules become less stringent, there will be more opportunities to be in a group setting whether at a dinner party, at work, a wedding, a bar or bat mitzvah or attending a funeral, shiva or memorial service. Howev...

A New Grief: Staying Connected to Help | COVID-19 Coronavirus

In light of newly imposed COVID-19 guidelines relating to gatherings and social distancing many mourners are experiencing a new grief. Notwithstanding religious observances and families' wishes, public funerals, burials and gatherings that are part o...

Jewish Grief and Mourning during the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic

In general, death and mourning are sensitive and difficult times to navigate for mourners, family and friends seeking to provide support and comfort. The subject of death, regardless of mortality, is discussed infrequently and often taboo. In light o...

The Passing of a Professional

If a professional, such as a family doctor, lawyer or accountant with whom there had been a close relationship, passes, it is appropriate to pay respects. The local paper or the shiva coordinator should have information about the funeral in additi...

The Passing of an Employee

If an employee of the Jewish faith passes away, it is appropriate and helpful for a supervisor or senior company representative to attend the service and make a shiva call.

The Passing of a Former Spouse

Divorces and separations are often difficult and emotionally damaging for families. Regardless of the circumstances, it is important to acknowledge and respect the time shared with the individual.

The Passing of a Friend

The Passing of a Child

Grief During The Holidays

The holiday season is a time of celebration and joy for most families. But when tragedy and loss have occurred, the holidays can be a painful spotlight of the loss and emptiness that the family is experiencing. The prospect of facing the holidays wit...

Grieving and Bereavement

Every law and every custom of Jewish mourning and comforting has, at its core, the overwhelming motivation to surround those who are dying and those who will grieve with a supportive community.

The Need for Coping

Coping is the mental and emotional process by which a mourner resolves the disruption caused by the death of a loved one.

What is Grief

Before we explore the origin of Shiva, we need to clarify what happens to a mourner after the death and burial of a loved one. When we lose someone close to us, we enter a world of grief and mourning. Let's define these two terms. Webster's Dictiona...

Workplace Resources

One of Judaism’s oldest laws states that in times of great happiness and great sorrow, an individual must cease working in order to concentrate on his or her emotional journey.

Kosher

Certain food items are considered appropriate for the kosher style of life. Most grains, vegetables and fruits are considered kosher. The meat, eggs and milk of certain animals are permitted for consumption, while others are not; however, meat and mi...

Religious Viewpoints

The Orthodox sect believes that the Jewish Laws (both oral and written) given by God to Moses are not to be altered.

Find a Grief Center

Researching, identifying and choosing an appropriate grief center after the loss of a loved one can be a confusing and overwhelming process.

Shavuot (6-7 Sivan) May 26-27, 2023

Many of the Jewish festivals or holidays use a significant Hebrew word to serve as a name or designation for the event. The festival of Shavuot comes from the Hebrew word meaning “weeks” and celebrates the giving of the Law (Torah) to Mos...

Passover (Pesach) 2024 - Jewish Holidays

Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is a major Jewish festival, held each spring to commemorate Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt over 3000 years ago. The strict observance of this festival centers around a home celebration called the seder...

Tu B'Shevat - The New Year of Trees

The celebration of Tu B'Shevat (alternative spellings include Tu BiShvat or Tu B'Shvat) is the New Year of Trees which is one of the four New Years referenced in the Mishnah or Mishna.

Tu B'Shevat - The New Year of Trees

The celebration of Tu B'Shevat (alternative spellings include Tu BiShvat or Tu B'Shvat) is the New Year of Trees which is one of the four New Years referenced in the Mishnah or Mishna.

Tish’ah B’Av

The holiday of Tish’ah B’Av is commemorated on the ninth (tish’ah) day of the Jewish calendar month of Av. It is a day of mourning, remembering both of the destructions of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.

Shavuot

Many of the Jewish festivals or holidays use a significant Hebrew word to serve as a name or designation for the event. The festival of Shavuot comes from the Hebrew word meaning “weeks” and celebrates the giving of the Law (Torah) to Mos...

Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day)

Yom Yerushalayim, or Jerusalem Day, is a time set aside to commemorate the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the older part of the city in June 1967.

Lag Ba’Omer

Lag Ba’Omer is a festive minor holiday celebrated by the people of Israel. The days fall between Passover and Shavuot – usually in May or June. This period of time is known as the “omer.” An omer is an ancient Hebrew measure o...

Pesach Sheni (Second Passover)

Pesach Sheni occurs every year on the fourteenth day of Iyar. This date is exactly one month after the fourteenth of Nisan, the day before Passover when the Paschal lamb was selected for the holiday.

Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day)

Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, marks the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948. The day of celebration is on or near the fifth day of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, which may be moved a day or two if it falls on Shabbat.

Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day)

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day), Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day) and Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) are observed as national holidays in Israel, and recognized around the world by Jewish communities.

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)

Following World War II and the establishment of the state of Israel, four new holidays, referred to as ‘modern’ Jewish holidays have been added to the Jewish calendar.

Passover (Pesach) - Jewish Holidays

Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is a major Jewish festival, held each spring to commemorate Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt over 3000 years ago. The strict observance of this festival centers around a home celebration called the seder...

Shushan Purim

The celebration of Shushan Purim is the celebration of Purim a day later in the city of Jerusalem. The festival of Purim finds its roots in the biblical accounts in the book of Esther. In many ways, the holiday is unusual. The holiday began as a mino...

Purim

The festival of Purim finds its roots in the biblical accounts in the book of Esther. In many ways, the holiday is unusual. The holiday began as a minor celebration and over time, because of the changing culture and circumstances, developed into a ma...

Hanukkah (Chanukah)

Hanukkah or Chanukah is an eight-day holiday of the Jewish faith remembering the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucids in the Second Century BCE. The festival lasts eight days, beginning on the ...

Simchat Torah

On the 22nd day of Tishri, the day after the seventh day of Sukkot, faithful Jews celebrate the holiday of Sh’mini Atzeret, a two-day holiday. In Israel, Sh’mini Atzeret is also the holiday of Simchat Torah.

Sh’mini Atzeret

On the 22nd day of Tishri, the day after the seventh day of Sukkot, faithful Jews celebrate the holiday of Sh’mini Atzeret, a two-day holiday. In Israel, Sh’mini Atzeret is also the holiday of Simchat Torah. Outside of Israel, where extra...

Sukkot

Sukkot, also called the Feast of Booths or Feast of Tabernacles, is a biblical Jewish holiday celebrated on the 15th day of Tishrei, usually falling between late September and late October. It is one of the three mandated festivals upon which the Jew...

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur literally means the “Day of Atonement” and is considered the holiest day of the Jewish year. Along with Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur is considered a High Holiday.

Rosh Hashanah

The celebration of Rosh Hashanah commemorates literally the “head of the year.” This is the Jewish New Year and, after festive celebration, marks the beginning of a ten day period of prayer, repentance and self-examination.

Shabbat

Shabbat is the first and most sacred institution of the Jewish people. It is a holiday, though it differs from common thought, as it is a holiday that occurs every week rather than annually. Henry Ward Beecher said, “A world without a Sabbath w...

Adoptive Parents and Adopted Children

Contemporary Issues in Death, Burial and Mourning

Intermarriage, Conversion, and Non-Jewish Relatives

Exceptions

Helping a Colleague Re-enter the Work Environment

Loss of an Employee

Time Away From Work

First Steps: Notifying your Employer, Co-workers and Supervisors

Company Policy on Bereavement

Place For Children During Shiva

Deciding whether it is appropriate to bring young children to the funeral or mourning period of a loved one.

Taking Part in Prayer Services

If a prayer service takes place during the shiva call, it is appropriate to participate provided that an invitation to participate has been extended by the mourning family.

How Long to Stay at a Shiva

Making a shiva call by attending a shiva is generally considered one of the highest levels of respect that an individual can pay to a departed Jewish person and his or her family. During a shiva, family members, friends and colleagues gather to offer...

Tattoos, Piercings, Amputation, Cremation and Suicide

In Judaism, there are certain connotations surrounding tattoos, piercings, amputation, cremation and suicide when it comes to burial.

Sample Unveiling Ceremony & Service

View a sample unveiling ceremony including representative prayers, poems, and the mourner's kaddish which can be printed and distributed to those family and friends gathered for the unveiling.

Unveiling History, Service, and Prayers

The unveiling is the physical act of erecting and unveiling a monument, which allows for the expression of the sad and painful emotions of grief. Family members gather together, often from cities that are miles apart, and continue their mourning as a...

What is a Kashrut Supervision Agency?

Kashrut supervision agencies oversee the certification, inspection and approval of restaurants, grocers and other establishments that serve or sell kosher food items.

Certain Food Products that are Considered Kosher

Various food products fall under the kosher category. Certain factors, such as how food items are prepared and what food combinations are acceptable, must be considered in adopting a kosher lifestyle.