Death affects all of us, and grief doesn’t disappear once we show up for work.

As part of Shomer Collective’s broader work to talk about death Jewishly, we’re encouraging culture change in our Jewish organizations to normalize talking about death and grief.

Planning and preparing for death in advance can be a useful topic in any environment. An openness to discuss grief in a Jewish organization allows people to feel they have the space to take time off, and that they would be supported in sitting shiva (should they choose to do so).

We invite you to use these resources. We hope you will find inspiration for addressing these topics at the organizational level, both before and after a death occurs.

How can your organization better address death, Jewishly?

Before a Death

Check out:
What Matters: Caring Conversations About End of Life
Shomer Collective provides Jewishly informed, evidence-based advance care planning workshops for individuals, organizations, and communities.
Read more: Advance Care Planning as a Jewish Process
Check out:
Death Over Dinner: Jewish Edition
Created by rabbis, theologians, wellness, and palliative care experts, this structured programming provides a unique lens through which to build and strengthen our personal beliefs about life and death. Shomer Collective can host one of these conversation spaces or train hosts in your organization.
See Upcoming Death Over Dinner: Jewish Edition Opportunities
Check out:
Resource Library
Navigate important and challenging topics with Jewish wisdom at your fingertips.
Shomer Collective is also available to provide guidance and references for specific questions. Send inquiries to hello@shomercollective.org.

After a Death

Learn about the meaning of sitting shiva and the traditions for Jewish mourning rituals.
Visit this resource and more on Shiva Circle.
A user-friendly guide for those unfamiliar (or who need a refresher) with shiva and Jewish custom.
Visit this resource and more on Shiva Circle.
Shomer Collective has two guides available for supporting someone mourning a traumatic death. One is designed for individuals supporting someone in their network, and one is designed for a professional serving their clients.
Access and download the Jewish Guides to Supporting Through a Traumatic Death.