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Leaving stones or pebbles on a grave is an ancient Jewish tradition, but its origins are unclear. It is not a commandment, rather a custom or tradition. Over time, many different interpretations have been offered for this practice. Common explanations include: A warning to Jewish priests known as Kohanim During the times of the Temple...

Family Finances: Heirs – Creditors – IRS How to handle them all if it’s up to you to settle an estate This information has been provided courtesy of the Tribute Foundation of the NY State Funeral Directors Association In a 30-year career as a bank trust-department officer- and as an executor of scores of estates,...

Depression in the Face of a Terminal Illness and Death https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/terminal-illness How to Create a Peaceful At-Home Hospice for Your Loved One https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/create-peaceful-at-home-hospice/ Anticipatory Grief: Information for Patients and Families http://www.hospiceyukon.net/D_D_Anticipatory.html Coping with the Loss of a Pet https://www.funeralwise.com/pet-loss/ Helping a Child Cope with Grief and Loss https://www.frazerconsultants.com/blog/2015/07/helping-child-cope-grief-loss 7 Ways to Help a Child with...

Many people do not realize that when a loved one passes away there is much more to be taken care of after the funeral has ended. As if the stress of the loss weren’t enough, there are still issues pending regarding debts, properties, health care and the estate. As the person responsible for the deceased’s...

Read one or both of the following passages: Psalm 23 or Psalm 121, then continue PSALM 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He guideth me in straight paths for His name’s...

(The following information was reprinted from an article prepared by Ronald Fatoullah, an attorney admitted to practice in NY State and Massachusetts. Mr Fatoullah is in the general practice of law concentrating on elder law, estrate planning and health care issues) Everyone who is interested in preserving their assets for the benefit of others, reducing...

A Loved One Has Passed. What Should the Family Do Now? According to the spiritual traditions of Judaism, when someone dies, the soul does not completely leave this world until after the burial. This transition period is considered very confusing for the soul so the presence of the living is very important through prayers and...

Jewish mourning includes several different stages of expressing grief. The Mourning Schedule Day 1: Aninut – this is the period of time between the occurrence of the death and the burial during which all the mourners are exempt from positive commandments. Because the burial usually occurs on day two, that is when aninut typically concludes. Day...

Coping with the loss of loved ones around the holidays is especially difficult. In addition to the normal suffering experienced through constant reminders such as pictures, lack of contact, and friends and family sporadically offering their condolences, living without loved ones around the holidays inflicts some degree of guilt about experiencing joy without them. Whether...

How is the Jewish death and mourning process different than that of other peoples? The Jewish religion deals with death and mourning in two parts. First, there is a focus on Kavod Ha-Met, or honoring the dead, and rituals geared towards this are all about being respectful to the deceased. Then, equally important, is how...