Coping With the Death of a Child
Comfort for grieving parents
Six years ago, my son Jacob was buried on Purim. This year, I began to reflect on the mitzvot of the day and how they connect to my experience of child loss. Surprisingly, two Purim mitzvot stood out for me: Matanot La’Evyonim—giving charity to those in need—and Mishloach Manot—sharing gifts of food with one another.... Continue Reading →
This year is my son's 6th yahrzeit. I can't believe so many years have gone by. I remember the day he passed; seems like yesterday. It's winter now, and the cemetery grounds are covered under a blanket of pristine, white snow. Winter has a way of muting sharp edges—of trees, of stones, of grief. And... Continue Reading →
For the first few years after my son Jacob passed away, it was difficult for me to look at his picture or touch the few things he left behind. The wallet, the souvenirs from school trips, school yearbooks, the knick-knacks from his vacations, the Mother's Day and birthday gifts he gave me. All this was... Continue Reading →
I was thinking about my child more than usual recently. Not having enough distractions keeping me busy, I thought of Jacob. Five years after his passing, the tears still flowed. That nagging question keeps coming back: How can you mend a broken heart after losing a child? Will I ever live a normal life? I... Continue Reading →
Sometimes I find myself speaking to another parent who recently experienced the loss of a child. I lost my child five years ago, but how do I comfort someone whose loss is very fresh? What do I say to another grieving parent? Different Emotional Dynamics of Child Loss First, let's look at the different emotional... Continue Reading →
Child loss is an unimaginable pain. Whether it’s the heart wrenching experience of miscarriage, losing an infant, a small child, an adolescent, or an adult child, these types of losses evoke profound parental grief. However, parents react differently to different types of loss because each grief journey has its unique challenges. Also, society treats these... Continue Reading →
This is the shortest post I've ever written on child loss. Because there are just no words. In memory of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, and their mother Shiri. May their memories be a blessing.
Yahrzeit, a Yiddish term meaning 'year time', is a significant observance in Judaism that commemorates the anniversary of a loved one's passing. This occasion provides an opportunity to reflect and remember the life of those we have lost. Yahrzeit milestones are key anniversaries that mark a special window of time from the first date of... Continue Reading →
Tehillim, also known as the Book of Psalms, is an extraordinary collection of sacred poetry cherished by Jewish communities and people of faith around the world. Composed of 150 individual psalms, this ancient text offers wisdom, comfort, and inspiration. After child loss, connecting with our loved ones through Tehillim brings tremendous benefit to both parent... Continue Reading →
A good friend recently lost her husband and suffers from acute grief. Knowing I lost my son almost five years ago, she asked: 'How do you do it?''How do I do what?' I asked'It just comes and comes. How do you deal with it?' She was asking me how to deal with feelings of grief.... Continue Reading →
A few months after my son passed away, a friend dropped off a gift for me as well as a small card. My friend was no stranger to loss and grief. Two of her brothers died in adulthood from illness. The card she gave me wasn't the standard Hallmark condolence card, but a card that... Continue Reading →
A person in my grief support group once asked what her child does in the next world. Is he just laying there, waiting for Moshiach and the Resurrection? On the contrary, our Sages teach that our departed child continues to look out for us from a place of eternal love and protection. Losing a child... Continue Reading →
Coping With the Death of a Child 