How to Console

Your visit to the mourner at home is more than a courtesy call. In Jewish tradition, the moment is too critical for mere courtesy. It calls for consolation. During this brief visit you could bring comfort to someone in need, or you could act as just another spectator to tragedy. The mandate of our humanity and of our religion is that we bring sensitivity and empathy to those who mourn. The following are suggestions for helping implement your natural healthy feelings during such visits. To learn more, click here.

Final Life - Cycle Library

"Mourning and Mitzvah"
A guided journal for Walking Through Grief to Healing
by Anne Brenner, et al.
Just what the title explains

"A Time to Mourn, a Time to Comfort"
by Ron Wolfson
from The Art of Jewish Living Series
Deals with all aspects from planning to the erection of the moment

"Saying Kaddish"
How to Comfort the Dying, Bury the Dead and Mourn as a Jew
by Anita Diamant
For the community to use as a basis for helping the mourner

"The Jewish Mourner's Book of Why"
by Alfred J. Kolatch
Answers most questions concerning funeral practices

"The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning"
by Rabbi Maurice Lamm
Explains funeral practices from the traditional point of view.

"Living with Loss, Healing with Hope"
by Rabbi Earl A. Grollman
A Jewish perspective of dealing with loss

"The Jewish Home" - A Guide for Jewish Living
by Rabbi Daniel B. Syme
Question and answer format concerning death, dying and mourning

"What Happens After I Die?" -
Jewish Views of Life After Death
by Rifat Sonsimo and Rabbi Daniel B. Syme
Deals with all aspects and questions concerning life after death

For the Family facing the loss of a stillborn

"Comforting the Loss of a Baby"
A Personal and Jewish Perspective
by Rabbi Yamin Levy
Specifically designed for the family suffering the loss of a baby.

For Children

"When a Grandparent Dies" -
Remembering Workbook for Dealing with Shiva and the Year Beyond
by Nechama Liss-Levinson, Ph.D.
A wonderful guide for children who need to ask and find out.

"A Candle for Grandpa" -
A Guide to the Jewish Funeral for Children and Parents
by David Techmer and Joel Iskowitz
A story for younger children to help understand the Jewish funeral

Books are available on a 'Loan Basis' and is a courtesy of the Final-Life Cycle Library at Bernheim Apter Krietzman Suburban Funeral Chapel.