Article Discussion: Comforting Mourners in Interfaith Families

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[Jennifer Morris]

Thank you so much for writing this article. I've often wondered what I would do when my non-Jewish husband died (hopefully far in the future).  I can't imagine mourning him outside of what I know, which is the Jewish way of mourning.

[Rita Williams]

What is the appropriate way for me, a non-Jew, to express condolences for my Jewish friend who has just lost her mother?  

[Ruth Abrams]

Though there is a standard, somewhat long Hebrew phrase to say at funerals and in houses of mourning, most people don't know it. The most meaningful thing is to say "I'm sorry."

We have more about this here:
http://www.interfaithfamily.com/life_cycle/death_and_mourning/How_to_Pay_A_Shiva_Call.shtml

[Hazel]

A member of our community very recently passed away.  How can we help his long time partner mourn...she is not Jewish?

[Debbie B.]

You should ask the widow what she would like to do since you can't really make assumptions about that. I think however that the Jewish tradition of supplying a grieving family with meals during the week of shiva is something that would be appreciated by any family in mourning.