Grieving With A Rabbi Funeral

By William Stewart


It is never easy losing someone close in life especially if a friend or family member. A Rabbi funeral is there to assist with questions one may have and as well, to officiate the service in the correct way. The sooner the burial is underway the better it is for all as prolonging it tends to make one feel more depressed and sad about the whole matter.

This is why Jews bury their dead very quickly so as not to cause more anguish than necessary to those left behind. Sometimes delays do happen especially should family members and close friends having to fly in for the ceremony. It is best to consult a Rabbi should this be the case so that he can advise on what is permissible in Jewish Law and what is not.

The total grieving period lasts up to eleven months where everyday those close to the deceased such as sons of a father that has passed away, says a prayer called Kadish. This is done three times a day until the eleven months has passed. This requires sons or worse enough fathers that have lost a child, to attend synagogue three times a day for morning, afternoon and evening prayers until the time has elapsed.

In total, a Jew must mourn for eleven months and this requires a man to go to Synagogue three times a day in order to say Kaddish which is a prayer in remembrance of the departed. In the mornings, it is custom to don a Talit or prayer shawl and to put on tefillin. This is done everyday in the life of a religious Jew but for those who do not do this ordinarily, find it comforting to do so during the period of mourning.

People who have NDE or near death experience can attest to this fact and it is comforting to know that life on this earth does have meaning and is not just a coincidental accident. This is why it is so important to do good by helping others and animals alike. This is probably what the purpose of life is, to enjoy it, share it and live it in the best way possible.

Apart from this doing all one can to do what is prescribed by Jewish Law helps one to mourn and to overcome the grief that is felt. Sometimes it takes longer to get over the death of a loved one and this is understandable as it leaves one with a gaping hole that is difficult to get over. But with time things do get easier and one eventually learns to live with it.

A person must allow time to grieve. Rather than believe everything is okay one should be kind to oneself and allow one to feel the loss. It is best to talk about it and this is especially so for younger children.

It is not an easy time. Keeping to tradition does help. For any queries or questions, a funeral Rabbi should be consulted.




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