The Year of Mourning

How do mourners get through that empty eternity of their first year without a loved one, that interminable stretch of darkness—perhaps deepening into despair—after shivah ends? Here at last is a way forward: a week-by-week, yearlong pathway through poetry, ritual, music, and the textual wisdom of Jewish tradition, brilliantly conceived and compassionately framed. I recommend it highly for anyone in mourning.
—Rabbi Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman, Barbara and Stephen Friedman Professor Emeritus of Liturgy, Worship, and Ritual, Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion

Walking the path of mourning is very much like wandering in the wilderness; familiar landmarks have become obscured, life’s structures have crumbled. The Year of Mourning is an invaluable compass for this treacherous path. The editors offer a rich array of spiritual resources—texts, songs and prayers—in a format that will affirm, guide, and comfort readers. I know I will share this book often with those who are touched by grief.
—Rabbi Dayle Friedman, author of Jewish Wisdom for Growing Older

Grief is a universal human experience; it stimulates spiritual reflection and yearns for a communal response. Rabbi Lisa D. Grant and Cantor Lisa B. Segal have planted important flora on the inevitable path of grief that we all walk. Each page is a place to linger, look, listen, and reflect. Whether this book sits on your lap or you scroll through it on your device, anywhere your eye focuses will bring a moment of nourishment on your journey.
--Rabbi Eric Weiss, editor of Mishkan Aveilut: Where Grief Resides

The Year of Mourningis a must-have for every clergyperson. After nearly thirty years of guiding congregants through the grieving process, I finally have an all-in-one resource to offer comfort and support beyond the funeral and shivah. Understanding that everyone grieves differently, the editors have created a collection of individual units that gives mourners the ability to move through at their own pace. This special compilation of music, poetry, and reflective questions is a wonderful resource.
--Cantor Claire Franco, Past-President, American Conference of Cantors

A welcome Jewish resource for making the journey through loss.
-- Kirkus Reviews(starred review)

This is not just another book on the laws of mourning or one person's journal of their year of saying Kaddish. The editor collects an excellent selection of meaningful poetry and prayer selections
--Nathan Aaron Rosen, Association of Jewish Libraries