As a kahal, we are embarking on an initiative centered on changing some of our communal Shiva practices to better support mourners.

In October, Daniel Goldman spoke about the range of emotional needs that individuals may have in the week following a funeral. During that program, Rabbi Betsy also spoke about how we hope to improve our practices, and Barry Rich explained why the menu accompanying Daniel's Kolot Kehilla talk featured healthy comfort foods intended to be served only to the grieving family to provide for their sustenance during Shiva.

In our next session, Nancy Feingold and Rabbi Betsy will continue our discussion about the grieving process and the complex and varied relationship individuals may have with it. During this online program, you will have opportunities to explore your prior experiences with Shiva and to ask questions about how to handle situations you anticipate or worry about as we begin to implement some new ways of caring for mourners.

Many questions will be addressed during this session:

• How do we feel about shifting to a mourner-centered approach?

• How can we, as part of a loving community, meet the needs of mourners?

• With communal eating and socializing no longer assumed or the focus, how do we support mourners by offering our presence?

• How do we navigate lovingly and respectfully within a community that so wants to help?

• How do we honor the wishes of the bereaved, knowing that some will feel relief when released from the expectation of facing or hosting a communal social gathering while others will seek that kind of contact?