In Order To Cope, Hold On To Hope

There is a distinct, careful rhythm to Jewish mourning rituals. The days between death and burial are called aninut. These days are devoted tzorchei hamet , the needs of the one who has died. As mourners, we are exempt from mitzvot during this period so that we can focus primarily on the needs of the deceased. Some will participate in the rite of shmirah, guarding the body. Others will begin plans for a respectful burial. Then, at funerals, we bury our dead. This is our re-entry into a world of obligation. We say kaddish, which is the difficult, and most important mitzvah. Then we place earth into the grave, marking a tangible transition from aninut which focuses on the one who has died, to Shiva: our first seven days as mourners. <a href="https://medium.com/rabbinic-writing/in-order-to-cope-hold-on-to-hope-2ca1aa4b9de3">Read More</a>