Times of mourning are never easy. Grief and mourning seem to sap all of the energy from your soul. The process is different for every person, and there is no “right way” to grieve. However, some of Judaism’s oldest traditions surrounding grief and mourning can lead to healing and peace. 

30 Days of Grief

In Judaism, mourners are given a lot of grace and freedom to grieve as they need to. There is a 30-day period after the funeral of a loved one, called sheloshim, in which the mourner is able to grieve and move past the death. Mourners in the period of sheloshim can work and complete necessary daily tasks. Generally, they avoid high-profile entertainment events, like parties and concerts. 

The 30-day grieving process seen in Jewish tradition can be helpful for any person going through the stages of mourning and grief. Oftentimes, loved ones may feel pressure to move on faster than they reasonably can. This can be due to social pressure, career expectations, or even personal conviction. The 30-day period of sheloshim highlights the need for ample time for mourning. 

It is healthy and natural to grieve the death of a loved one for a while. During shloshim, Jewish communities often rally around the mourners in their time of need. This practice can be inspirational for communities everywhere, as mourners need support and love. The world is busy, but those who are grieving deserve plenty of time to do so before “returning to normal.” 

Death Anniversary Candle

Each year after the passing of a loved one, Jewish mourners light a candle that burns for 24 hours. This symbolizes the remembrance of the person who is gone. In some settings, Jewish mourners will also recite special prayers for mourning and grief. This yearly observation of the date of death can be very cathartic for Jewish mourners. 

The anniversary of a loved one’s death proves difficult for almost everyone who is grieving. It is a grim reminder of the pain of losing that person. The 24-hour candle may provide some healing as you reflect and mourn the loss of the deceased. It sends the message that although their physical body is gone, their spirit is never forgotten. 

Shiva

Immediately following the death of a loved one, Jewish friends and family make the mourners’ experience as comfortable as possible. Mourners are allowed time away from family, social, and work obligations to grieve. Neighbors and friends bring food to the household and go on a walk with the mourning people. This symbolizes the community’s support in the aftermath of a death. 

While Shiva is a Jewish practice, it is good to support people in mourning no matter what they believe. The care and support of loved ones can drastically improve the spirits of grieving people. 

Jewish Mourning and Grieving

You may be wondering more about Jewish death traditions. Perhaps some of these examples sounded beneficial to you or a loved one in your time of grieving and mourning. My Jewish Learning is a thorough resource for learning about Jewish perspectives on life. The website includes ample information about how Judaism addresses grief and mourning. 

Going through the grieving process is never easy or simple. Your loved one’s memory never has to pass away. Learning from the traditions of Judaism can make the process healing and provide some closure in your time of need.