Death, Burial, and Bereavement
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Soul After Death
Is it possible to see the soul after it leaves the body? Is it possible to contact and converse with a soul after death? Thanks for asking this great question. This concept is one that we find in movies, and…
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Nursing Care for Orthodox Jews
As a nurse, how should I take care of someone who is an orthodox Jew? I would want to know about nutrition requirements and special rituals for death. Any information that you can provide me would be appreciated. Answer: We…
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Mourning for a Miscarriage
My mother just had a miscarriage. Is there is anything I need to do? Do I light a yahrtzeit candle? I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s miscarriage. A miscarriage, especially a late term one, can be an…
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Preparations for Burial
What are the burial rites in the Jewish religion? The procedure of preparing a body for burial varies from community to community. However, there are certain basic laws that are common to all Jewish communities. These are discussed in the…
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Saying Kadish and the World to Come
My father passed a way two weeks ago. My only brother refuses to say kadish. Is that horrible? Will that effect my father getting to heaven? Can someone else say kadish? I am so sorry for your family’s loss. You…
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Loss of a Spouse
How does one find purpose in ones life after the loss of a spouse? Allow me to offer you my consolations. The Talmud says that “A spouse dies only to their spouse” by which it means that when, say, parents…
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Yahrzeit Candle
Could you please confirm the holidays when we light a Yahrzeit candle in memory of a deceased family member? Every year on the Hebrew anniversary of their passing a 24 hr. memorial candle is lit from sundown to nightfall, as…
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Tombstones
Is there anything in the Torah or Talmud about the necessity of having a headstone on a grave? Did the Sages comment on the importance of such memorials? Thank you for your question. The concept of having a headstone or…
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What Happens After Death?
I recently lost my father. I would like to know what happens to the person from the moment the heart stops. I was with him when he died and I kept on thinking, but where has he gone? I’m truly…