About the book
Elissa explores how living in the shadow of her young son's death led her to live a more meaningful life. She shares her journey from paralyzing grief to a life infused with purpose and passion.
A must read. Elissa Felder guides us to understand and value the way that death infuses life with meaning and gratitude. Elissa is a woman who has suffered great loss but has transformed her pain into wisdom and tenderness
-Sherri Mandell
Co-founder of the Koby Mandell Foundation
Elissa has written an eloquent and much needed book. It helps readers see into the grief of a mother mourning her young child.... and also into the secretive traditions of the Hevra.She unveils her heart and soul and leads us to see how death can--and must!_- enrich the experience of the living
-Dr. Vera Schwarcz
Emerita Professor of History and East Asian Studies at Wesleyan
University
I believe that the Jewish community has a great deal to thank Elissa Felder for, in transforming profound teachings from the traditional sources into beautiful prose that will, hopefully, help others. In addition, it will enrich the work of women dedicated to the most holy task of preparing the Jewish dead for burial
-Rebbetzin Yehudis Golshevsky
Founder and Director of Shiviti
Elissa Felder holds our attention as she recounts death and life in her family. Equally important is the detailed and spiritually insightful way she explains the work of the Chevrah Kadisha. Elissa goes far beyond the physical practice of Taharah, expertly weaving in text that explains and elevates this holy mitzvah. Elissa's extensive knowledge and her clear explanations make this book one of the best and most inspiring books for Chevrah Kadisha members. Elissa's insights will stay with you and give you strength
David Zinner, Jewish Association for Death Education (JADE), Chair
Elissa relives the trauma of her baby son's death in a heartfelt memoir that shares her unbreakable faith with the reader. Elissa offers insights into many Jewish rituals surrounding burial and engages the reader with her intense spiritual journey as she finds meaning in her son's passing
Sally Berkovic, author of Death Duties and Under My Hat.
This book is a remarkable account of the author’s real-life journey facing the death of her son and, years later, the death of her 3-month-old granddaughter. Despite these losses and the accompanying pain and grief, Elissa finds her way to saying yes! to life. This is her account of growing familiar with death and developing a profound understanding of it within the Jewish tradition. It is a book about life, a renewed relationship with God and Jewish wisdom/teachings about death and the afterlife. Elissa weaves together her personal experiences with Biblical stories and prayers to describe the journey we will all eventually undertake. A beautiful book full of wisdom, hope and light.
Mihai Grunfeld, Chair, Vassar College Lifelong Learning Institute, Associate Professor
We have created a beautifully illustrated discussion guide to bring the book to life. This guide was written to enable you to personally interact with the wisdom and ideas contained in the book and to help you facilitate group conversations in a way that are tailored for your unique community.
