Doing Death Jewishly is a comprehensive programme, including a nine-part course with sessions aimed at bereavement volunteers, lay readers and community care teams.

It will cover topics including how traditional Jewish mourning rituals help the psychological journey of bereavement; the role of community in supporting the bereaved; providing a safe environment for those who are grieving; and how to lead funeral and shiva services.

Sessions will be led by Progressive clergy and experts in the field, including Rabbi Miriam Berger, Rabbi Neil Janes, Rabbi Kathleen de Magtige-Middleton, Lynette Chazan, Hannah Jacobs, Stuart Linke, and Miriam Grabiner.

The programme also includes take-away resources and will provide a tahara (preparing the body for burial) manual to every community that would like one, a network for volunteers who undertake this sacred task, and a bereavement guide with space for it to be personalised to each community’s minhag (practice).

Our communities’ care teams play an essential role in providing support to bereaved members and their families. Whether coordinated by a single individual or led by a larger team with professional oversight, care teams offer a vital source of comfort in times of grief.

We want every Progressive Jewish community, no matter its size, to have access to well-trained volunteers who can provide a holistic approach to bereavement care. The emotional and spiritual needs of the bereaved are as unique as each individual, and the rituals that guide Jewish mourning are an essential part of this support.

Many of our members and their families need tailored support that resonates with their Progressive values and beliefs. We also know that many congregants want to follow our customs but aren’t confident in knowing what they are ‘meant to do’, particularly in communities without rabbis.

By investing in the training of our volunteers, we aim to help Progressive communities meet the evolving needs of bereaved families in a meaningful and relevant way.

This programme – supported by JJBS – will not only enhance the skills of individual volunteers, but also strengthen the fabric of our communities, ensuring that every bereaved member feels seen, heard and supported throughout their journey of grief and beyond.

You may select as many sessions as you wish – every session is a Wednesday from 7–8:30pm on Zoom

14 January 2026 – Rabbi Miriam Berger
How Traditional Jewish Mourning Rituals Support the Psychological Journey of Bereavement: Understanding how Jewish practices – such as sitting shiva, reciting Kaddish, and the role of prayer – help guide mourners through the complex emotional landscape of grief. This module will focus on the psychological benefits of these rituals and how they can provide comfort during times of loss.

21 January 2026 – Rabbi Miriam Berger & Lynette Chazan
The Role of Community in Supporting the Bereaved: Exploring the importance of communal support during mourning and the ways in which volunteers and community members can help the grieving person feel surrounded by care, compassion, and understanding.

28 January 2026 – Rabbi Miriam Berger & Lynette Chazan
Journey Beyond the Shloshim – Ongoing Support: Recognising that grief doesn’t end after the shloshim and that ongoing support is often necessary. Volunteers will be trained in how to continue offering care and check-in with the bereaved as they navigate the long-term aspects of mourning.

4 February 2026 – Rabbi Miriam Berger & Stuart Linke, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Opening New Chapters: Helping mourners adjust to life after a loss and providing guidance on how they can begin to rebuild and find meaning in their lives. This session will also cover the importance of allowing space for new beginnings, while respecting the mourner’s journey and timeline.

11 February 2026 – Hannah Jacobs
Providing a Safe, Supportive Environment: We will start with a quick overview of the definitions of abuse and who to inform in your community if any safeguarding issues arise. This interactive session looks at challenges of working within the community – particularly around boundaries and confidentiality – to keep volunteers safe.

18 February 2026 – Rabbi Kathleen de Magtige-Middleton & Lynette Chazan
Tahara: Practical skills, resources, and an ongoing support network for volunteers providing the sacred task of Tahara in their communities.

4 March 2026 – Rabbis Miriam Berger & Neil Janes
Lay Reader Training – How to Lead a Good Shiva

11 March 2026 – Rabbis Miriam Berger & Neil Janes
Lay Reader Training – How to Lead a Good Funeral

18 March 2026 – Rabbi Miriam Berger & Miriam Grabiner, founder of hesped.org
Lay Reader Training – How to Write a Good Hesped/Eulogy