For Those Who Die Young
Ten. Ten dead young people are dead who shouldn’t be. A hiking tragedy in the land I love, in the canyons that I hike, led by…
Read articleIn Memoriam, Our Matriarch
This is a new memorial prayer for the family matriarch. Here’s a link to the companion prayer, “In Memoriam, Our Patriarch.” These prayers are based on…
Read articleOn the Day of My Death
In recent weeks, several individuals have asked for prayers for the experience dying. This is one of two new prayers in response to those requests. It’s…
Read articleAfter a Sudden Death
This is a prayer of grief and loss after the sudden death of a dear one. See also: “Angel of Rest,” “Birthday No More” and “Hard…
Read articleIn Memoriam, Our Patriarch
This is a new memorial prayer for the family patriarch. The companion prayer, “In Memoriam, Our Matriarch,” will be posted in the next few weeks. In…
Read articleTravel after an Unexpected Death
This is a prayer to be said upon traveling to attend a funeral after an unexpected death. The blank line is for inserting the name of the…
Read articleMemorial for a Child, Even in Adar
This is a memorial prayer for grieving parents. On this day nine years ago, Rosh Chodesh Adar, the month in which joy is said to enter,…
Read articleDeath of a Horrible Relative
When family members die, we strive to remember the best moments of their lives. We must also recognize the complexity of mourning when a person has…
Read articleOn Lighting a Yizkor or Yartziet Candle
This is a simple new meditation, appropriate for both Yizkor and a Yartziet, to be said before or after lighting a memorial candle. The language is…
Read articleBlessings Now a River: A Meditation on Death
This is a difficult meditation on facing death. It’s blunt yet loving in its message, but not necessarily for someone who’s suffered a recent loss. Then…
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