Holiday Event Ended

The November 15, 2021, Thanks-Grieving event has ended and was a great success. 

As a reminder, the panel and topics discussed were specifically chosen in order to explore the challenges of grief and loss in our communities (especially during the holidays), as well as shedding light on resources that are available within the various faith communities. Below are the recorded notes recapping the event.

Faith Dialogue Panel Speakers:

  • Chaplain Helen M.C. Jones
  • Chaplain William Garrison
  • Rabbi Jon Cutler
  • Rabbi Jon Cutler
  • Tahija Vikalo, Director, Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom 
Resource Sharing Highlights:

*Feel free to reach out directly for any support needed amh@bereavementcenter.org

Some Discussion Comments:

  • Grief is so much more than the loss of a loved one. There is grief because of loss of job, loss of income, end of a relationship, loss of career, loss of home. There is also Traumatic Grief and Traumatic grief injury.
  • Grief around losing certain capabilities and capacities through illness and/or aging.
  • In our shuls, we have various prayers for those who are ill, have suffered loss, etc.  We often invite names of those both inside and outside of the Jewish community and are often praying for healing for those of other faith communities.
  • A suggested read if you want, When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Rabbi Harold Kushner.
  • One of the most difficult aspects of grief for me can be the numbness and inability to feel what I am “supposed” to feel (“why am I not crying?” why do I feel blank?”). As a highly emotional person, I have found that in the most devastating times of my life, my emotions shut down. Do any of our panelists have experience working with others who confront this when grieving?
  • Honoring love ones’ through charity be healing. But also note that charity can be healing to the receiver of charity as well. https://interfaithlibrary.com/giving-charity
  • Trauma can also be a result from the loss of someone. COVID, crime, suicide, etc..
  • We invite everyone to visit interfaithlibrary.com. If you would like to post you organization or site with us, contact us at interfaith_library@yahoo.com.

If you are interested in joining MontcoMulti-Faith Coalition, by becoming a member of our committee, feel free to email Montco.multifaith@montcopa.org

By mabdussalaam

Creator and C.E.O. of Interfaith Library A competent and dedicated educator & theologian, with over 30 years of theological teaching experience as an Imam and spiritual advisor.