Jewish Traditions and the Psychology of Grief

Jewish Traditions and Observances

Sabbath (Shabbat)

A weekly day of worship and rest, observed from Friday at sundown to Saturday at sundown. The Sabbath meal involves breaking bread, blessing, and sharing wine.

Shabbat Observance

Orthodox Jews who cannot travel to the temple on foot may establish smaller prayer groups when the synagogue is too far to reach.

Shavuot

The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), commemorating the giving of the Torah and the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai.

Shiva and Kaddish

Shiva involves the Kaddish, a prayer for mourning. It teaches that even when we question God, we continue to offer praise. A Minyan is required to recite the Kaddish:

• Conservative: 10 Jewish adults.
• Reform: 10 people.

The number 10 represents the covenant. During the ritual, the family walks out the door, around the block, and back into the house, symbolizing a slow return to the world.

Shloshim

A 30-day period where mourners are excused from social and temple events. While individuals return to work and school, they refrain from social gatherings. The full period of grief typically lasts from six months to one year.

Shofar

A ram's-horn trumpet used by ancient Jews in religious ceremonies and as a battle signal. It is currently sounded during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

The Five Stages of Dying

1. Denial: Believing the diagnosis is wrong, seeking second opinions, or viewing the situation as a dream.
2. Anger: Reality settles in, leading to fear and anger regarding the mystery of death and the impact on family.
3. Bargaining: An irrational attempt to negotiate for more time.
4. Depression: Facing the reality of the situation and the fear of losing independence.
5. Acceptance: Making peace with oneself, saying goodbyes, and finding closure.

The Four Stages of Grief

1. Shock and Numbness: The initial period of processing the loss while moving through daily routines.
2. Searching and Yearning: Seeking the presence of the deceased through photos, videos, stories, and visiting significant places. Note: Complicated grief may require therapy.
3. Disorganization and Despair: Disengaging from activities as questioning and depression set in.
4. Reorganization and Recovery: Returning to a state of normalcy. While grief never fully disappears, sadness is gradually replaced by positive memories.