Grieving a Child: A Companion Guide for Clergy (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798276228419)

A comprehensive guide for Jewish, and all clergy navigating the tragic death of a child, providing perspective into the needs of the parents, the clergy themselves, and including social-emotional language to assist in supporting both the family and the community. This sequential instruction manual contains examples for eulogies, funeral and shiva services, along with poetry to utilize in the service and to provide insight, all which serve as anchors and companions to aid and assist you as you walk this journey.

"An invaluable resource for rabbis, for those who are grieving, and those who wish to help. It takes an incomprehensible loss and teaches, gently and movingly, how to respond with sensitivity and love."
RABBI DAVID WOLPE
Author of Why Faith Matters
Max Webb Rabbi Emeritus of Sinai Temple

"Many thanks for this astonishing gift to Jewish clergy and to all who will endure such unspeakable loss in the future. There is so much wisdom in this book-practical wisdom of what to do and say and what NOT to say, poetry that captures the emotional roller coaster so poignantly. And an invaluable step-by-step guide for anyone who is struggling with how to stay close to those who have lost a child. This book will bind broken hearts and give grieving families companionship for life's most lonely journey."
RABBI DR. BRADLEY SHAVIT ARTSON
Roslyn and Abner Goldstine Dean's Chair
Professor of Philosophy, American Jewish University

"How can a rabbi possibly offer support and comfort to a family that has sustained the loss of a child-a heartbreak that the rabbi can only imagine, but has not experienced personally? Grieving a Child is a sensitively written and perceptive volume that provides important answers. Although written with specifically Jewish mourning practices in mind, this guide offers profound insights and practical suggestions that will be of value to clergy of any religious denomination."
DR. ROBERT WEXLER
President Emeritus, Colen Distinguished Service Professor
Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, American Jewish University

"I wish I had this book early in my rabbinate. Grieving a Child is both a map and a companion-a work of wisdom, tenderness, and courage. It blends practical guidance with poetry, theology, and deep pastoral insight. Whether you are new to the rabbinate or a seasoned clergy member, this book is an essential guide to standing with families in their darkest hours."
RABBI ELLIOT COSGROVE
Senior Rabbi, Park Avenue Synagogue

Author: Rabbi Erez Sherman,Denise Mandel-Becker,Lori Weinstock Lcsw
ISBN-13: 9798276228419
Publisher: Independently Published
Language: English
Published: 12/13/2025
Pages: 214
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.48lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.00w x 0.49d