Loss, Mourning & Consolation

In Kfar Chabad, there will soon begin the Bar Mitzvah celebration for the orphans of Israel’s fallen heroes. They commemorate their sacrifice, for their fathers gave their lives defending the Holy Land and its Holy Nation.

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that with everything a Jew experiences, he must contemplate what he must learn from it. How much more so when a person loses a loved one, when the verse itself instructs, “The living shall take to heart.“

Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski tackles the big questions of why G‑d allows suffering, and how to best handle the challenges of loss and grief.

“Sarah died... and Abraham came to eulogize Sarah and to cry over her.” (Genesis 23:2) The word "to cry" is written with a small letter "kaf." What is the meaning of this small letter?

Rabbi Zohn presents the Jewish view on death, burial and the afterlife, and how to pragmatically prepare for it in the Jewish tradition.

One of the most important elements of a proper Jewish burial is the Taharah; preparing the body for its final rest by the Chevra Kaddisha or Jewish Burial Society.

A Jewish funeral is distinguished by its simplicity, humility and solemnity. It emphasizes the spiritual and sublime over the physical and material.

Children recite Kaddish for their loved ones’ departed soul. What is the meaning of Kaddish and how, when and why is Kaddish recited?

Author Doron Kornbluth, who spent over three years studying the subject, talks about the reasons some people choose cremation, and explains why throughout history Judaism and Jews have insisted on burial.