Mourning and Bereavement among Jewish Religious Families: A Time for Reflection and Recovery

Abstract

This article explores mourning and bereavement practices among Jewish traditional families. Enabling the individual to grieve in solitude and freeing one from religious obligations is the first step in the mourning process. Referred to as Aninut this time period enables one to care for the deceased and reflect upon one's loss. The shiva (7 days of mourning) cycle includes a number of important rituals from the recitation of the Kaddish to supporting the grieved. Mourning in Jewish life is viewed in terms of honoring the deceased, comforting mourners, and rehabilitating the bereaved. Though the directives explored in this article are found among Jewish religious families, their implications have universal appeal.