In a way, death is like that unknown neighborhood. It is a mystery, and it can be frightening because no one knows what happens after we die. The rituals, however, both honor the person who has died and comfort those who are saddened. Musleah describes Jewish rites from the chevra kadishah, or preparation for burial, through the funeral service and rituals of mourning. Our rabbis taught that when we think about death, we should imagine two ships in a harbor.
Many people cheer the ship that leaves the harbor, but few notice the ship that returns.
The book also discusses the condolence call, letting children know what they might do, including bringing a gift of food and sharing a personal memory about the deceased. Taking an open-ended approach, the book invites children to list other things they might do when calling on the bereaved. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced in any form without permission.