mourning

A practical halachic guide to weddings, bar mitzvahs, brit milah, Chanukah parties, Simchat Torah, Purim, and other celebrations during the mourning period according to Jewish law and tradition

A practical and spiritual guide to the laws of the thirty-day mourning period, including haircuts, music, clothing, cemetery visits, Torah study, Kaddish, and the Jewish belief in helping a loved one’s soul after passing away

Learn the halachic laws of an onen, including prayer, blessings, Torah study, Kaddish, eating, mourning restrictions, and exemptions from mitzvot before burial

Discover a deeply moving letter about grief, faith, and the eternal bond between parent and child.

The death of 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva shaped Jewish tradition. Discover why these ancient events still carry powerful lessons today

A clear guide to the customs observed during the Omer, including rules about weddings, music, haircuts, and celebrations

Purim is a day of joy, but what happens when it coincides with loss? Here’s how halacha guides the way.

How Ortal Schlussel's initiative supports families and their loved ones

Reflections on grief, resilience, and the importance of emotional support.

The Spiritual Power of the Mourner's Kaddish and its Lasting Impact on the Soul

When Rabbi Menachem Yisrael went to offer condolences, he discovered a great thirst for guidance and support. As a result, the organization 'The Jewish Heart' was founded to assist mourners technically, emotionally, and spiritually. 'People yearn for a connection to something higher during these times'

A few incredible points to ponder about this potent and meaningful prayer

Explore the enduring lessons of resilience and meaning in Jewish teachings throughout the ages

From worn garments to silent tears, these Jerusalem rabbinic figures lived with heartbreak over the destruction and carried hope for its rebuilding

Close relatives of a deceased person are expected set everything aside in order to attend to the burial preparations and honor the dead

No mourning is permitted on festivals, so what happens if a close relative passes away before one of the Yomim Tovim?

When Yom Tov arrives, mourning does not just pause, it ceases

The halachic rules and symbolism of the se’udat havra’ah. Why must the community provide the first meal to mourners after the burial of their loved one?

How Jewish wisdom helps transform sorrow and blame into faith, peace, and enduring connection with the souls of our loved ones