Lifecycles

Life hurts. Most of us, at some point in our lives, must confront issues of illness, loss, and suffering. And all of us, if we open our hearts, confront the suffering of the world. Faced with such pain, we often ask: Why is there suffering? Why me, why my loved ones? Where is God? Where can I find comfort? Is there meaning in suffering? How can I help? What Jewish resources are there?

Since the early 1990’s, we have witnessed the creation of a Jewish healing movement. “Broadly stated,” says Rabbi Simkha Weintraub, rabbinic director of the National Center for Jewish Healing, “the goal of Jewish healing programming is to help Jews who are suffering receive support, guidance, and solace from the Jewish tradition and the Jewish community – to help them access Jewish spiritual resources for their journeys.” This programming includes the creation of Jewish spiritual support groups of all kinds, Jewish spiritual counseling, bikur cholim (visiting the sick) projects, public education on issues such as Jewish end-of-life care, trauma response planning, and training programs for helping professionals. Also, a number of books have been published, along with other printed materials and resources which strive to intertwine the rich spiritual resources of Jewish life and tradition with contemporary wisdom on health and healing.

On ritualwell we offer prayers, rituals, music, and healing services, along with web and printed resources to help you.

The following resources may be applicable or adapted for various types of healing: