Judaism teaches us to understand death as a part of life and part of the Divine Pattern of the Universe.  Thus our Jewish tradition encourages an acceptance of the inevitability of death and teaches the sacredness of grief, mourning, sympathy and memory.

Judaism has accumulated numerous mitzvot (positive commandments) and customs relating to death and mourning.  These mitzvot are governed by certain principles, but in all cases they are designed to meet the needs of the mourner.  The mourner should choose those practices that are personally meaningful and bring comfort, solace and hope.

Tradition established the various periods of mourning in order to allow and, indeed, encourage the pouring out of one’s heartfelt emotion and grief.

Yet these periods were established also to limit mourning, so that people might return to their daily pursuits, and resume life and living. 

A closely related second principle is the recognition of the reality of death.  Dr. Ron Wolfson has written, “The Jewish approach is reality-based.  There is a time to be born – and a time to die.  No denial.  No avoidance.  The art of Jewish dying is a fundamental factor in the art of Jewish Living”.

In the Jewish tradition, a person who is dying is to be treated with love, respect and caring.  Following death, the body is to be treated with honor and respect.  All are equal in death and all deserve dignity.

There is a time to be born and a time to die and Judaism teaches to live each day, completely and fully.