Comfort, Courage and Clarity

Approximately three weeks ago, on the day that marked 11 months since my father’s passing, I stopped saying the mourner’s Kaddish. I am at present a mourner without the consolation of this most magnificent and mysterious prayer. The unparalleled Aramaic words of the Kaddish prayer, “Yisgadal v’yiskadash Shmei rabba (may His great Name be magnified and sanctified)”—followed by the proclamation of the respondents, “May His great Name be [...]

Dear Friends, We're in the middle of a very busy season. The weeks before Pesach tend to be particularly hectic and often quite stressful for many. Between our household preparations, kitchen duties, shopping for new Pesach wardrobes for ourselves and family members, and preparing to either host or interact with extended family members, we may have quite a bit on our plate.  For those who have recently suffered [...]

PART I Having lost a much wanted baby at a fairly advanced stage of pregnancy several years ago, I was reminded of a statement of Rav Eliyahu Lopian, zt"l who said, "Man's head and heart are like two different persons. The head knows and understands everything; nevertheless, the heart does what it feels and wants to do" (Lev Eliyahu, p.188). You can say all the "right" phrases to [...]

PART II Do not be afraid of normal manifestations of grief. Grief is like an ocean. Sometimes there is only a ripple of pain. Other times, waves of sorrow come crashing, crushing down. Don’t fight. Surrender. Allow the pain to rise, peak, and fade in its own natural rhythm. Then do something positive with your muscles to reaffirm your sense of health and control. When sorrow overwhelms you, [...]