My Conversion Story Journal

May 29, 2025

I've been listening to the Jewish perspective on grief. The tearing of the garment is a reminder that only the body is gone and that their memories, lessons, and soul will live on. The memorial dates are keep connected to the loved one, but the timeline also requires the person to keep moving forward towards healing. I've never grieved going through the Jewish stages of grief, but I have seen others do it. The week of grieving seems too little.

The month of not shaving or participating in joyous events seems to be a good distraction and a way to make them yearn for that period to be over (especially for the men who hate not shaving). The reciting Kaddish for eleven months helps the feeling of them being close while focusing on blessings and good memories. The one year mark seems to be an emotional roller coaster that ends in a feeling of peace.

I haven't gone through this process myself yet. It is not something I look forward to, but I know I have people to turn to when the time comes.

I'm so blessed.