Bereavement

When the void left by a loss is gaping and new, Jewish tradition is paved with guidance for mourners. A final goodbye in Judaism is composed of two themes: ka-vod hamet — treating the deceased with dignity — and nihum ah-vay-leem — comforting the mourners.

The practices which surround the care of the deceased and his or her family are known in Judaism as “hessed shel emet”—acts of true kindness. This is particularly true regarding anything done for the deceased, since that person can no longer “return the favor.” Our care and devotion to the deceased are motivated out of purity of intention and goodness of heart. They are a reflection of the bonds of family and community, and reinforce our belief that humanity is created in God’s image.