Answers to Jewish Questions

Photo of a person's hands touching a picture frame with a picture of an older man

Can I say the Mourner’s Kaddish for Non-Jewish Loved Ones?

Answered by

Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser

Jewish people can say the Mourner's Kaddish for loved ones who are not Jewish. Many Jewish individuals have close family members from different backgrounds and religions and it is appropriate for Jews to observe mourning rituals for their loved ones.

What Is Elul?

Elul is the Hebrew month preceding Rosh HaShanah, during which one engages in self-reflection and evaluation in preparation for the High Holidays. Traditionally, the shofar is blown each day during the month.

My loved one has died during this time of pandemic. What mourning rituals can we do from home?

Answered by

Rabbi Julie Zupan

“Under our current COVID-19 related restrictions, neither my sister nor I will be able to attend the funeral our father, who died in another state. Instead, we’ll be watching it live-streamed from the funeral home’s website. What are some mourning rituals we might be able to do from our homes?”

My partner and I had to postpone our wedding due to COVID-19. How can we mark our original date?

Answered by

Rabbi Miriam Wajnberg

Right now, you may be feeling grateful for the health of loved ones, frustrated or resentful of the situation you find yourself in, disappointed to have to postpone your celebration, and/or worried about the resulting consequences of doing so.