Death and the Jewish way of death and mourning is a subject that on the one hand many don't want to explore and contemplate, yet at the same time it is a topic that that draws a lot of interest and intrigue.
Importantly, the Jewish way of death and mourning is done in a way that is meant to provide eternal rest to the soul, dignity to the body and comfort to the loved ones, all at the same time.
The structure of the mourning process, the funeral, the Shiva and so much more, including with definitive times to seek to move forward, things we do and don't do, and things that other do and don't for us, are seen as important elements that help the loved ones move on in many ways, and as importantly, they help ease the final moments and journey of the soul and the process of what happens once the person is no more.
One of the things we read about in tomorrow's reading is the importance of a Jewish burial and the lengths that our ancestors have gone to make sure this was done right. The story of Jacob and the promise that he makes Joseph make to him to do this in the right way, is a subject of lots of discussion and teachings.
In an age, when cremation has become so widespread and where other end of life aspects have changed so much, understanding and appreciating the importance of the Jewish way of death and mourning is important on so many levels.
If anyone has any questions or would ever like to discuss this, would like more readings, or have questions, about how to respect Jewish traditions in this process, please feel free to reach out.
Please join us tomorrow for a fascinating discussion about how we honor and value life, as seen through the stories and readings that discuss the process of the end of life.