Tag Archives: taharah

What is shrouding, natural burial, and the practice of Taharah?

An interview with Holly Blue Hawkins of Last Respects Consulting, Part Two

In this second part of a two-part interview, I sit down with Holly Blue Hawkins, founder of Last Respects Consulting (based in Aptos, California) to talk to her about natural burial, shrouding, and the practice of Taharah.   Editor’s Note: … Continue reading

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How Can Jewish Funeral Traditions Help Families Cope with Grief?

An interview with Rabbi Me'irah, Part One

Today, SevenPonds speaks with Rabbi Me’irah, a San Francisco-based rabbi and visual artist. After earning a master’s degree in social work from Portland State University, Rabbi Me’irah spent 15 years in the field. Along the way, she reconnected with her spirituality and … Continue reading

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From The Old American Way of Death to the New American Way

A fan sends me a strong message to please examine the funeral business

As SevenPonds grows, I continue to be deeply touched by fans who reach out to me in a multitude of ways.  I receive emails, calls, letters and some even approach me at conferences and events. I cannot begin to tell … Continue reading

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Jewish Burial Practices, Today and Yesterday

Taharah, or ritual purification, prepares the person who passed, and their loved ones, for the next stage of existence

In classic Orthodox Jewish tradition, the newly passed are treated much like the newly born. That is, they are ritualistically purified in accordance with an elaborate sacred Jewish custom called the Taharah, and therefore prepared for their next stage of … Continue reading

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