This topic reflects some of the most beautiful concepts in Judaism. In particular, the focus on how we contribute to this world, without a clear promise of what the next world might be, is very powerful to me. It means that we find meaning and purpose in helping other people purely for their benefit, and I find that humbling, motivating, and inspiring. I also see a connection between these rituals and the way we honor the differences between life and death in kashrut, so that recognizing the value of life and the meaningfulness of death are present in many Jewish rituals. Thank you for another great video.
Yes! I just love how you say it, it almost takes the pressure off wrestling with the belief in what happens next and allows us to just focus on here and now and doing what we can in this world.
This video came into my feed two weeks after my mother in law passed away. Weird timing. I just finished sitting Shiva a week ago. Interesting side note - here in Israel, no one is buried in a coffin. They are just buried in a cloth, or alternatively, placed in a slot in a wall in a cloth (because land is precious, and not much is available for burial)
Thank you so much! Found your video (in mortuary school) for better understanding of meanings behind the different words that are used in Jewish customs. You're very informative.
I’ve been showing my fiancé your videos to learn more about Jewish traditions and lifestyle, before he converts before our marriage 😊 you explain things a lot better than me haha . Thank you 😊😊
Thank you. I am a professional counselor and I think all religions should practice these Jewish mourning rituals. They are the most caring, attentive and comprehensive way to deal with losing someone.
Long time watcher here. I grew up Catholic (but as of late, I'm not super religious) but I just love your videos! There's something about Judaism that is just simply beautiful - the customs, the food, the traditions, the culture and of course, the people. I live not too far from Squirrel Hill here in Pittsburgh (where the Tree of Life tragedy happened back in October 2018). The amount of love that I saw, I can't even begin to describe. And I remember driving through there during Hanukkah that year and seeing all of the menorahs in windows and yards and even on top of cars - it was beautiful. It's our city's largest Jewish neighborhood for sure. There is something about Judaism that has always fascinated me (that's how I found your videos in the first place). You have a light about you that really shines even when talking about difficult subjects. I lost both of my parents (more recently my father) while in my 30s and this video comforted me. Blessings to you and your family, Marion! And thank you for being a light in this world. We need more people like you. ❤
Very well said...I had gone through this process at the age of fifteen. I have to say its so enlightening how you adress the topics in such a adequate and comprehensive way...you are such an amazing person.
This was very educational - I am a Christian who observes Torah & I keep Shabbat, I read in the Bible that your body stays in the grave like a sleep when you die & your breath goes back to God, when Yeshua returns the body will be raised to life again. I put a stone on my Dad's grave when I go to visit, now I know where that comes from - Thank you.
Apart from this being an amazing video (as always!) it's crazy how you uploaded this around the same time that Chana from JarOfFireflies uploaded her video about Shiva
Thank you for making this video! I didn't know anything about the jewish perspective on death and this was super informative!! I learned a lot and I actually love the idea of leaning into the not knowing and putting the focus on the here and now. Making this world a better place is a worthwhile goal in and of itself, weather or not that affects one's afterlife. I really appreciate you explaining it so well! Gave me quite some food for thought!
You didn't mention washing the body and preparing the body. And A man maybe buried in his kittel . We also the cushion may be removed the furniture. We leave the front door unlocked so guest don't have to knock or ring the bell and wash basin and towel is at the front door to wash hands for this mitzvah.
As a non-Jew I am very humbled to be able to learn about Jewish Funerals Yes, it is very informative. thankyou yes, I will probably have a lot of questions.
What is the significance of covering mirrors when someone dies? My grandmother worked for a Jewish family and some of the traditions she instilled in us came from your culture.
There's a practical reason and a spiritual one. Practical - you don't want to be distracted by vain thoughts like looks at this time. Spiritual - there can be ideas about the spirit around death that are not pleasant and mirrors can further these fears.
It's a particularly important topic with people dying all over the planet during this pandemic. The rituals following a death in Judaism are so significant in maintenance of mental health because cultures, like that of America, often deny or ignore death and we can lose our connections to the past and loved ones who are gone from our nearer presence when we cannot speak of them or ever cry from missing them or speak of them as though they remain part of the family still. It is a benefit of a faith tradition that leaves an empty chair for Elijah at table. The almost immediate burial tradition was originally due to the heat of The Levant. So it's true of Islam from the same region and North Africa where the heat plays a major role in determining how quickly one must inter the dead to protect the health of the community. The mourners' Kaddish makes sense in that we are rejoicing in the life of the dead person that God shared with us and sometimes this practice spills over into not speaking outlandish encomia said as eulogies of the dead, but rather simple statements and thanksgivings for the life they led, sharing God's gifts to them. Covering mirrors at the time of a death is common in many cultures as a symbol of death reminding us that the vanities of life are fleeting and we are in the presence of someone nearer to God in some ways than we are. There are ethnic traditions that have been overlaid that say that you do not want the soul to escape through the mirror, but some open windows to allow the soul to leave the house and others stop clocks and cover their faces so the departed does not feel rushed in their transit toward dwelling more closely in God. (Christianity has moved in the modern era from the tradition of 3 days to burial, as in the amount of time between Jesus' death and resurrection to his life in God, to having funerals a lot in the evening and on weekends when those from afar or with demanding jobs can attend them without difficulty.) The ancient tradition of a complete year's mourning makes perfect sense in terms of psychological well-being. It is essential after suffering the loss of a loved one to go through an entire year of firsts: first high holy days without them and first winter holidays without them and first Passover without them and their birthday and their wedding anniversary and finally the first anniversary of their death. Those firsts are very hard on those closest to the deceased and must be gotten through with celebration of the holiday while acknowledging the mourning so that one can move on to a fuller celebration without them as years go by, while never forgetting them. Truth to tell, no one knows what happens when we die, except the dead and God. That rather requires that we trust in God's justice and mercy!
@@MyJewishMommyLife Another tradition you might cover wherein Judaism reveals itself to be somewhat more heavily focused on this life, rather than our existence beyond the time-space continuum we inhabit, is the ritual of the bar/bat/bas-mitzvah. The Confirmation ceremony at the same age in Christianity is all but totally focused on God and the glorification of His blessings and the hope of life in Him more closely, whereas the bar/bat/bas-mitzvah focuses more heavily on thanking God for the gifts he gave us quite individually for us to quite specifically use them for the benefit of all mankind and the culture we are part of.
Thank you very much for the video. I´ve never been able to find a clear answer of what the Jewish people believe will happen after death so I´m grateful for clarifying why I couldn´t find it. I´ve always had the feeling that Judaism is much more about life than Christianity which is much more concentrated on life after death. It´s interesting.
Thank you so much for making this video. I just lost my grandpa 3 weeks ago and had been very close to him my entire life. I’m curious how things are different when it is a non-Jewish friend or family member that dies?
I am so sorry for your loss, I hope you are finding comfort and healing at this time. Generally a nonJewish person wouldn't have a Jewish burial or be buried in a Jewish cemetary.
@@MyJewishMommyLife thank you ❤️ I’m getting by, it’s the first person I’ve lost who I’ve been really close to so it’s hard. But I have family and friends surrounding me (in a social distanced way of course!) and that’s made a world of difference. How does the grieving process differ? Do things like sitting shiva still happen?
@@chronically_funnyemma4214 sorry for you loss. The Shiva process, as Myriam explained, is for the mourners. Honestly it’s hard to concibe this with out a Jewish community around, it intents to be a community activity. But if the person was not Jewish an you are, depending on your community they might support your shiva.
In the Comparative Religion course I took in University, studying Judaism, my prof mentioned that in the Jewish faith, when you die, you are born into your tribe? Think that is cool but don't really understand it. I know that Jews are a tribal peoples. So i think that's interesting. Also, you mentioned, a in between place in the after life, sounded almost like Purgatory. I'm assuming it's not though since that's Catholic. Also, I love the tradition of placing stones. in first nations culture the stones and rock are considered the grandmothers and the grandfathers so I like to think that the grandmothers and the grandfathers will be watching over the person who passed away when rocks are placed on their graves. Kind of a mix of two cultures but still a neat idea. Great video really enjoyed it.
So interesting! I haven't heard the tribe idea but I think it connects to the messianic times, that we would all be with one of the 12 tribes of Israel that we are all part of taken from the 12 sons of Jacob.
@@MyJewishMommyLife Interesting. Thanks for your reply. One of the 2 Jewish students in the same class, said that Judaism is closer to Native American Spirituality and First Nations, than to Christianity. Makes sense to me. I Love both.
Wow that was great. I always wondered what Jews believe about the after life. I, myself , believe in living and doing good for the heart and now. Even though Christianity believes in the after life and it is a focal point of the faith, I have never emphasized it in my own spiritual journey. I describe it as that is not the reason I am one of the faithful. I think Jesus was sent into the world to teach us about how god wants us to treat one another while we are here on earth.
These traditions are almost identical to the Muslim rituals, after death. Very interesting...By the way, I love your channel and your happy disposition:))
This is interesting to know these things. I am only slightly aware of these different traditions. I know that native americans supposedly "built" their own grave instead of hiring a "professional." They believe in living close to ancestors. Animals shapes and structures symbolic as reminder of creator of man and animal (they practice animalism to some extent). I know that some Jewish people have ancestry but because of historical things practice Christianity and have done so for some time. In this world we get "pulled" in all sorts of directions that don't fit the narative of our ancestors and ancestry so yes, things get tricky when all a person simply needs while walking this earth is rest (aka I work in healthcare off and on and work with elderly). Example would be George Floyd funeral (a public display). Sure he is African American...but the aspects of culture in to these things.
In Israel u r not beried in anything because its says you came from the earth and you will return to the earth. The reason they bery in a cofin is so if the what to bring them to isrearl earth they can...
It's against laws in some places to not be buried in a casket/coffin. There are requirements that a "box" must meet in order to "legally" bury a body. In keeping with the simplicity of Jewish customs the modification has typically been just a simple wooden box.
I am so impressed with how you delivered this heavy subject in a way that felt approachable and not too scary/sad!
Thank you so much Allie for your very kind comment!
I agree everyone will die someday yet few will talk about it .
This topic reflects some of the most beautiful concepts in Judaism. In particular, the focus on how we contribute to this world, without a clear promise of what the next world might be, is very powerful to me. It means that we find meaning and purpose in helping other people purely for their benefit, and I find that humbling, motivating, and inspiring.
I also see a connection between these rituals and the way we honor the differences between life and death in kashrut, so that recognizing the value of life and the meaningfulness of death are present in many Jewish rituals.
Thank you for another great video.
Yes! I just love how you say it, it almost takes the pressure off wrestling with the belief in what happens next and allows us to just focus on here and now and doing what we can in this world.
As a Jew I think you represent our religion very well
Thank you so much that is so kind of you to say!
This video came into my feed two weeks after my mother in law passed away. Weird timing. I just finished sitting Shiva a week ago. Interesting side note - here in Israel, no one is buried in a coffin. They are just buried in a cloth, or alternatively, placed in a slot in a wall in a cloth (because land is precious, and not much is available for burial)
Do Jews allow for cremation? And who are the people who sit with the body until the funeral, is it family or someone else?
@alr1917 we don't allow cremation or organ donation
Thanks to that video that you help me to go about.
Thank you so much! Found your video (in mortuary school) for better understanding of meanings behind the different words that are used in Jewish customs. You're very informative.
I’ve been showing my fiancé your videos to learn more about Jewish traditions and lifestyle, before he converts before our marriage 😊 you explain things a lot better than me haha . Thank you 😊😊
Aww that is so lovely to hear, thank you!
Thank you this was Informational
Your hair looks soooo good in this vid Marion! Love you always💖
Aww you're so sweet, thank you!
Thank you! Great little introduction to this subject. I can’t wait for the next one! You did a great job not making it too dark!
Thanks so much! I appreciate it.
Thank you. I am a professional counselor and I think all religions should practice these Jewish mourning rituals. They are the most caring, attentive and comprehensive way to deal with losing someone.
Long time watcher here. I grew up Catholic (but as of late, I'm not super religious) but I just love your videos! There's something about Judaism that is just simply beautiful - the customs, the food, the traditions, the culture and of course, the people. I live not too far from Squirrel Hill here in Pittsburgh (where the Tree of Life tragedy happened back in October 2018). The amount of love that I saw, I can't even begin to describe. And I remember driving through there during Hanukkah that year and seeing all of the menorahs in windows and yards and even on top of cars - it was beautiful. It's our city's largest Jewish neighborhood for sure. There is something about Judaism that has always fascinated me (that's how I found your videos in the first place). You have a light about you that really shines even when talking about difficult subjects. I lost both of my parents (more recently my father) while in my 30s and this video comforted me. Blessings to you and your family, Marion! And thank you for being a light in this world. We need more people like you. ❤
Wow that is so beautiful, thank you so much for sharing that it brought tears to me eyes!
Thank YOU! ❤
This is really interesting!
Thank you!
Very well said...I had gone through this process at the age of fifteen. I have to say its so enlightening how you adress the topics in such a adequate and comprehensive way...you are such an amazing person.
I am so sorry for your loss, I hope this video was a little bit of comfort at this difficult time. Thank you for your kind words.
Yesssssss been waiting for this. I wish I knew these things before my grandpa passed.
Aww I’m sorry I have waited so long to get to this topic!
@@MyJewishMommyLife girl it was sooooo long ago ahaha 7 years!
This was very educational - I am a Christian who observes Torah & I keep Shabbat, I read in the Bible that your body stays in the grave like a sleep when you die & your breath goes back to God, when Yeshua returns the body will be raised to life again. I put a stone on my Dad's grave when I go to visit, now I know where that comes from - Thank you.
That's a very beautiful notion about the body and soul, thank you for sharing!
Apart from this being an amazing video (as always!) it's crazy how you uploaded this around the same time that Chana from JarOfFireflies uploaded her video about Shiva
Aww thank you so much! And I love Chana!!
Thank you for making this video! I didn't know anything about the jewish perspective on death and this was super informative!! I learned a lot and I actually love the idea of leaning into the not knowing and putting the focus on the here and now. Making this world a better place is a worthwhile goal in and of itself, weather or not that affects one's afterlife. I really appreciate you explaining it so well! Gave me quite some food for thought!
Good job!
You might explain why the mirrors are covered. There are a couple of reasons
Yes I think I will do a separate video on the concept of shiva and what to expect at a shiva house!
You didn't mention washing the body and preparing the body. And A man maybe buried in his kittel .
We also the cushion may be removed the furniture.
We leave the front door unlocked so guest don't have to knock or ring the bell and wash basin and towel is at the front door to wash hands for this mitzvah.
You are right, there is SO much more to be discussed!
💐Thank you
As a non-Jew I am very humbled to be able to learn about Jewish Funerals
Yes, it is very informative.
thankyou
yes, I will probably have a lot of questions.
I think as an overview of Jewish custom around death, this is so informative and to the point 💕 you have a talent for explaining these things!
Thank you so very much for your kind comment!
I'm agnostic but fascinated by Judaism. I love your channel Marion. Thank you for all your hard work. 😘
That's so lovely to hear, thank you!
This video help a lot to anyone how lost a Jewish friend
What do the stones symbolize?
What is the significance of covering mirrors when someone dies? My grandmother worked for a Jewish family and some of the traditions she instilled in us came from your culture.
There's a practical reason and a spiritual one. Practical - you don't want to be distracted by vain thoughts like looks at this time. Spiritual - there can be ideas about the spirit around death that are not pleasant and mirrors can further these fears.
I love the symbol of stones
Yes there’s so much meaning there
@@MyJewishMommyLife would you be able to explain more on the meaning of the stones
❤️❤️🙏🏽thank you 🙏🏽❤️❤️
It's a particularly important topic with people dying all over the planet during this pandemic. The rituals following a death in Judaism are so significant in maintenance of mental health because cultures, like that of America, often deny or ignore death and we can lose our connections to the past and loved ones who are gone from our nearer presence when we cannot speak of them or ever cry from missing them or speak of them as though they remain part of the family still. It is a benefit of a faith tradition that leaves an empty chair for Elijah at table. The almost immediate burial tradition was originally due to the heat of The Levant. So it's true of Islam from the same region and North Africa where the heat plays a major role in determining how quickly one must inter the dead to protect the health of the community. The mourners' Kaddish makes sense in that we are rejoicing in the life of the dead person that God shared with us and sometimes this practice spills over into not speaking outlandish encomia said as eulogies of the dead, but rather simple statements and thanksgivings for the life they led, sharing God's gifts to them. Covering mirrors at the time of a death is common in many cultures as a symbol of death reminding us that the vanities of life are fleeting and we are in the presence of someone nearer to God in some ways than we are. There are ethnic traditions that have been overlaid that say that you do not want the soul to escape through the mirror, but some open windows to allow the soul to leave the house and others stop clocks and cover their faces so the departed does not feel rushed in their transit toward dwelling more closely in God. (Christianity has moved in the modern era from the tradition of 3 days to burial, as in the amount of time between Jesus' death and resurrection to his life in God, to having funerals a lot in the evening and on weekends when those from afar or with demanding jobs can attend them without difficulty.) The ancient tradition of a complete year's mourning makes perfect sense in terms of psychological well-being. It is essential after suffering the loss of a loved one to go through an entire year of firsts: first high holy days without them and first winter holidays without them and first Passover without them and their birthday and their wedding anniversary and finally the first anniversary of their death. Those firsts are very hard on those closest to the deceased and must be gotten through with celebration of the holiday while acknowledging the mourning so that one can move on to a fuller celebration without them as years go by, while never forgetting them. Truth to tell, no one knows what happens when we die, except the dead and God. That rather requires that we trust in God's justice and mercy!
Thank you for always sharing so much, I'm glad this topic was an interesting one to you!
@@MyJewishMommyLife Another tradition you might cover wherein Judaism reveals itself to be somewhat more heavily focused on this life, rather than our existence beyond the time-space continuum we inhabit, is the ritual of the bar/bat/bas-mitzvah. The Confirmation ceremony at the same age in Christianity is all but totally focused on God and the glorification of His blessings and the hope of life in Him more closely, whereas the bar/bat/bas-mitzvah focuses more heavily on thanking God for the gifts he gave us quite individually for us to quite specifically use them for the benefit of all mankind and the culture we are part of.
Thank you very much for the video. I´ve never been able to find a clear answer of what the Jewish people believe will happen after death so I´m grateful for clarifying why I couldn´t find it. I´ve always had the feeling that Judaism is much more about life than Christianity which is much more concentrated on life after death. It´s interesting.
You are so very welcome! I'm glad my video was helpful!
Thank you so much for making this video. I just lost my grandpa 3 weeks ago and had been very close to him my entire life.
I’m curious how things are different when it is a non-Jewish friend or family member that dies?
I am so sorry for your loss, I hope you are finding comfort and healing at this time. Generally a nonJewish person wouldn't have a Jewish burial or be buried in a Jewish cemetary.
@@MyJewishMommyLife thank you ❤️ I’m getting by, it’s the first person I’ve lost who I’ve been really close to so it’s hard. But I have family and friends surrounding me (in a social distanced way of course!) and that’s made a world of difference.
How does the grieving process differ? Do things like sitting shiva still happen?
@@chronically_funnyemma4214 sorry for you loss. The Shiva process, as Myriam explained, is for the mourners. Honestly it’s hard to concibe this with out a Jewish community around, it intents to be a community activity.
But if the person was not Jewish an you are, depending on your community they might support your shiva.
@@Avihemc2 thank you and thank you for your response ❤️
I was just thinking this and planned to look it up later
Glad it was helpful!
If you were to do a celebration of life sometime after the funeral, when would that be? Do you do it within the fist month? Or after?
What is the process and belief surrounding judaism burrials and organ donations,thanks
Jews don't organ donate
Magandang umaga po
What s meaning of stone on tbe grave?
A beautiful religion in its original and authentic form ...
In the Comparative Religion course I took in University, studying Judaism, my prof mentioned that in the Jewish faith, when you die, you are born into your tribe? Think that is cool but don't really understand it. I know that Jews are a tribal peoples. So i think that's interesting. Also, you mentioned, a in between place in the after life, sounded almost like Purgatory. I'm assuming it's not though since that's Catholic. Also, I love the tradition of placing stones. in first nations culture the stones and rock are considered the grandmothers and the grandfathers so I like to think that the grandmothers and the grandfathers will be watching over the person who passed away when rocks are placed on their graves. Kind of a mix of two cultures but still a neat idea. Great video really enjoyed it.
I have done that placed stones when visiting my families graves.
So interesting! I haven't heard the tribe idea but I think it connects to the messianic times, that we would all be with one of the 12 tribes of Israel that we are all part of taken from the 12 sons of Jacob.
@@MyJewishMommyLife Interesting. Thanks for your reply. One of the 2 Jewish students in the same class, said that Judaism is closer to Native American Spirituality and First Nations, than to Christianity. Makes sense to me. I Love both.
Biblical people tore their clothing in mourning
Wow that was great. I always wondered what Jews believe about the after life. I, myself , believe in living and doing good for the heart and now. Even though Christianity believes in the after life and it is a focal point of the faith, I have never emphasized it in my own spiritual journey. I describe it as that is not the reason I am one of the faithful. I think Jesus was sent into the world to teach us about how god wants us to treat one another while we are here on earth.
I love that, thank you for sharing more and helping us all to learn!
These traditions are almost identical to the Muslim rituals, after death. Very interesting...By the way, I love your channel and your happy disposition:))
Why do you cover the mirrors?
This is interesting to know these things. I am only slightly aware of these different traditions.
I know that native americans supposedly "built" their own grave instead of hiring a "professional." They believe in living close to ancestors.
Animals shapes and structures symbolic as reminder of creator of man and animal (they practice animalism to some extent).
I know that some Jewish people have ancestry but because of historical things practice Christianity and have done so for some time.
In this world we get "pulled" in all sorts of directions that don't fit the narative of our ancestors and ancestry so yes, things get tricky when all a person simply needs while walking this earth is rest (aka I work in healthcare off and on and work with elderly).
Example would be George Floyd funeral (a public display). Sure he is African American...but the aspects of culture in to these things.
Thank you for sharing all of this, I appreciate you contributing to the conversation.
Would that room be paradise?
Not for you
When you did you're DONE, FINISH!
In Israel u r not beried in anything because its says you came from the earth and you will return to the earth. The reason they bery in a cofin is so if the what to bring them to isrearl earth they can...
Yes very interesting customs around burial itself!
It's against laws in some places to not be buried in a casket/coffin. There are requirements that a "box" must meet in order to "legally" bury a body. In keeping with the simplicity of Jewish customs the modification has typically been just a simple wooden box.
Too much talking and not enough substance.