Helpful Resources About Death and Mourning

Ages:
Adult

The following resources, sites, and services can be helpful if you are seeking guidance about dying, death, and mourning. 

Shomer Collective: Talking About Death, Jewishly

Would you like to interact with the topic of death and dying in a Jewish way? Explore the resources and programs of Shomer Collective, an organization making death and grief more approachable by grounding us in Jewish wisdom and ritual.  

Jewish Death & Mourning 101 

What are the different stages of dying and mourning according to Jewish tradition? Learn about key terms and practices in this easy-to-read article from My Jewish Learning. 

The Dougy Center

Grief with children is complex, and you’re not alone. The Dougy Center is a secular organization focused on connecting and supporting grieving children, teens, and parents.  

Shiva Circle Resources 

How do you prepare a home for shiva, and how do you involve children in the process of mourning Jewishly? Visit Shiva Circle to find practical advice for setting up a home for shiva, browse opportunities for saying Kaddish online, and connect with Jewish prayers and rituals for death and mourning.  

Ematai

Do Jews donate their organs after they die? Visit Ematai (Hebrew for “[if not now,] when?”) to learn about the impact of organ donation, explore how it aligns with Jewish thought, and find many more resources, including a healthcare directive, eldercare, and chaplain services.  

Kavod v’Nichum: End of Life Rituals

What do Jewish traditions teach us about caring for the body after death? Learn about Shmirah (watching or guarding the body), Taharah (ritual washing), and other practices that carry centuries of wisdom. Kavod v’Nichum empowers, educates, and trains Chevra Kadisha — sacred communities that come together at the end of life to care for the deceased and comfort the living through Jewish rituals and traditions. 

JADE: Jewish Association for Death Education 

Looking for background information about traditional Jewish death practices? JADE offers online events, personal stories, and a support helpline, as well as a helpful glossary for breaking down common rituals and Hebrew terms.  

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