Doing Death Jewishly is a nine-week course starting on Wednesday 14 January covering topics including how traditional Jewish mourning rituals help the psychological journey of bereavement; the role of community in supporting the bereaved; providing a safe environment for those who are grieving; and how to lead funeral and shiva services.
Sessions will be led by Progressive clergy and experts in the field, including Rabbi Miriam Berger, Rabbi Neil Janes, Rabbi Kathleen de Magtige-Middleton, Lynette Chazan and Hannah Jacobs.
You may select as many sessions as you wish - every session is a Wednesday from 7-8:30pm on Zoom
14th January - Rabbi Miriam Berger
How Traditional Jewish Mourning Rituals Support the Psychological Journey of Bereavement: Understanding how Jewish practices—such as sitting shiva, reciting Kaddish, and the role of prayer—help guide the mourners through the complex emotional landscape of grief. This module will focus on the psychological benefits of these rituals and how they can provide comfort during times of loss.
21st January - Rabbi Miriam Berger & Lynette Chazan
The Role of Community in Supporting the Bereaved: exploring the importance of communal support during mourning and the ways in which volunteers and community members can help the grieving person feel surrounded by care, compassion, and understanding.
28th January - Rabbi Miriam Berger & Lynette Chazan Journey
Beyond the Shloshim—Ongoing Support: Recognising that grief doesn’t end after the shloshim and that ongoing support is often necessary. Volunteers will be trained in how to continue offering care and check-in with the bereaved as they navigate the long-term aspects of mourning.
4th February - Rabbi Miriam Berger
Opening New Chapters: Helping mourners adjust to life after a loss and providing guidance on how they can begin to rebuild and find meaning in their lives. This will also cover the importance of allowing space for new beginnings, while respecting the mourner’s journey and timeline.
11th February - Hannah Jacobs
Providing a safe, supportive environment for those who are grieving and you, the volunteer.
18th February - Rabbi Kathleen de Magtige-Middleton & Lynette Chazan Tahara
Practical skills, resources and an ongoing support network to those volunteers in our communities who provide the sacred task of Tahara.
4th March - Rabbis Miriam Berger & Neil Janes
Lay Reader training: How to lead a good shiva.
11th March - Rabbis Miriam Berger & Neil Janes
Lay Reader training: How to lead a good funeral.
18th March - Rabbi Miriam Berger
Lay Reader training: How to write a good hesped/eulogy.