Honoring Those Who Have Passed

 

Honoring those who have passed.   As the holidays come it can be painful as our heartaches for those who are no longer with us. Recently I read about the Jewish traditions in mourning. “In Jewish culture, when a family member dies, Jewish families follow the custom of mourning for seven days for the deceased (sitting shiva). The seven days begin at burial, which usually occurs within twenty-four hours of death. During the seven days, the family limits their activities and interactions. They avoid public functions and celebrations. It's customary to stay home during the seven days and to receive guests and visitors who gather to offer consolation. After the seven days conclude, additional ceremonial and liturgical memorials throughout the year bring the names of the deceased into remembrance. Jewish custom offers specific prayer for mourners and opportunities to donate to charity in honor of the departed. Once a year, on the anniversary of the passing of loved ones (called yahrzeit), it's customary to light a candle in their remembrance. Through these customs and other mourning rites, Jewish tradition honors those who have gone on before and never lets us forget the brevity of life." (The beginning of Wisdom, First Fruits of Zion 2022. p.6, Lesson 5)   As you enter into this Thanksgiving before you start your day of merriment, light a candle in the kitchen to honor the loved ones who have gone before you. Give thanks to the beauty they added to the world and your life. Take time to remember as we give thanks!

Lighting a candle with you! LOVE,