Jewish Lifecycle
Themes in Death and Mourning
Though traditional sources on the laws of mourning are quite detailed and specific, an acquaintance with this legal literature reveals a number of overarching themes and principles.
Contemporary Issues in Jewish Death, Burial and Mourning
Multi-faith families, neonatal loss, autopsies and suicide
Who Mourns for Whom?
Jewish law details which family relationships require traditional mourning practices.
A Yizkor prayer for stillborn and infant deaths
A contemporary rabbi offers a prayer to be recited throughout the year by parents who have suffered neonatal loss.
How to Mourn Stillbirth and Neonatal Death
New Jewish guidelines for coping with the loss of a child.
Autopsies and Jewish Law: An Orthodox Perspective
Contrary to popular belief, Jewish law does not have an absolute prohibition on this post-death procedure.
Judaism and Suicide
Taking one's life is officially a violation of Jewish law, but many contemporary rabbis recognize that most suicides result from struggles with mental illness.
Death and Special Issues of the Body
An overview of autopsy, organ donation, and cremation in Jewish tradition and practice.