In Jewish tradition, a mourner is identified as being a child, spouse, sibling, or parent of the deceased. Others, however, may also wish to use the following prayers.
Out of the depths I cry to You, Adonai;
hear my supplication.
A heavy burden has fallen upon us and sorrow has bowed our heads. And now we turn to You, the Source of life, for comfort and help. Give us the eyes to see that pain is not Your will, that somewhere there weeps with us One who feels our trouble and knows the suffering of our souls. We seek the light that will dispel the darkness that has overtaken us. Let us find it in the love of family and friends, in the sources of healing that are implanted within all the living, in the mind that conquers infirmity and trouble. Grant us the strength to endure what is inescapable, the wisdom to accept what cannot be undone, and the courage to go on without bitterness or despair. Amen.
.נֵר לְרַגְלִי דְבָרֶךָ, וְאוֹר לִנְתִיבָתִי. בְּאוֹרְךָ נִרְאֶה אוֹר
Ner l'ragli d'varecha, v'or lin'tivati.
B'or'cha nireh or.
Your word, O God, is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path.
By Your light shall we see light.
[Psalms 119:105, 36:10]
[The memorial light is kindled.]
Ner Adonai nishmat adam.
Your light, Adonai, burns in the human soul.
Baruch atah, Adonai,
notei-a b'tocheinu chayei olam.
Praise to You, Adonai, who plants within us eternal life.
