Understanding Jewish Traditions and Mourning Practices
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Days of Awe (High Holy Days)
The ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a time of penance, to seek forgiveness from those you have wronged.
Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross
Grew up in Switzerland during WWI and worked with the Red Cross in refugee camps. Being in charge of camps at 17 inspired her to become a doctor. She initially got married and had children, switching her major to psychiatry. She moved to the US to work with geriatric patients and realized the US focuses on the disease rather than the patient. Because the patients are dying, we have to understand death to help them. She aided in the creation of hospice centers and wrote "On Death and Dying". After her death, her husband republished it as how we face loss, defining loss as any major life change.
Feast of Booths/Tabernacles
Observed five days after Yom Kippur, it remembers the 40 years the Jewish people spent in the desert without a home. Booths are erected for eight days (8 symbolizes the number of life). One big meal is held in the booth. Booths are not permanent and can easily be knocked down, symbolizing that life is fleeting.
Gemara
A long period of time with several Rabbis, it is a commentary on scripture (explanation, insight, and reflection into scripture so that it has greater meaning). Commentary from heretic (half-truth) Rabbis is included in small print in the margin, showing that the voice of the marginalized still matters.
Hagaddah
The prayer book used during the Seder meal, it recounts trials and tribulations, emphasizing that God is always present.
Hannukah
The festival of lights commemorates the re-dedication of the temple after the Greeks destroyed it. It is observed for eight nights in the winter.
Ishmael
Father of the 12 tribes of Arabic.
Jewish Mourning Practices
Grief begins immediately. A dead body is not brought into the temple. There is no tombstone or grave marker. There is a Shiva (7 days) which includes a meal of condolence without flavor. Mirrors are covered, symbolizing that we deserve to fall apart and grieve. Cushions are placed on the floor, and a small Shiva chair represents what is felt. Shows are off, and there is no time for running. During Shiva, small talk is not wise, as it is a distraction.
Jewish Scripture
The Tanakh, which is all Jewish scripture together, has three parts: Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim (aka Old Testament).
John Bowlby & Colin Parkes
Both doctors at a veterans hospital in New England, they saw loss and death and wanted to help families.
Ketuvim (Writings)
Includes Psalms (King David) of songs and poetry, Jobs & Proverbs, emphasizing the desire for a loving relationship.
Kiddush
Blessing over a chalice.