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The Song of Death and the Song of Life

How we mourn our loved ones

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The Song of Death and the Song of Life: How we mourn our loved ones

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Topics:	Shemini, Loss, Mourning & Consolation

By Yacov Barber

Rabbi Yacov Barber, Chabad emissary in Melbourne, Australia, was rabbi of the South Caulfield Shul, and a senior Dayan at the Melbourne Beth Din. He recently authored a book of Parsha messages titled "Wit & Wisdom", click here to purchase the book.

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10 Comments

Bob RI April 20, 2017

I am a musician and I wrote a song about my mother after she passed away. It still brings tears to my eyes. It's always hard to lose someone you love. But when you were that person's caregiver it's even more difficult. The song I wrote ends with ascending chords going higher and higher as if her soul is going to Heaven. I can relate to the Rabbi's discussion about a song. I welcome anyone's suggestion for dealing with the loss of a loved one. Reply

Alicia Garcia Falgueras Madrid April 23, 2017

in response to Bob:

This is so beautiful and emotional intimate personal expresion. The ascendings chords are such a divine interprestation of music. Lacrimosa of Mozart has the same idea as well and it is a Master piece still nowadays. I am sorry for your lost. Your idea of sharing your composition might help you to deal with the enourmous pain. Rest in her peace. Reply

Naomi Weiner Ventura, CA April 20, 2017

Song of Death and Song of Life I loved the analogy of life's high notes and low notes. This is the flow of music and life. And continuing the "song" of a relative, friend, or anyone gives someone grieving something to focus on. Reply

Christopher Colon Kissimmee, FL April 21, 2017

in response to Naomi Weiner:

This so true. May we always remember the high notes of those whom we cherish and left to to be with relatives and Adonai. Reply

Carol Pittsburgh April 20, 2017

I absolutely agree with the points that are made here. When I speak about my mother and my father and tell stories that include them, I feel that they are still alive and with me and that their good deeds are still being done even today. Reply

Chana April 20, 2017

Wow, powerful!
100% agree with many of the points made. Reply

Alicia Garcia Falgueras Madrid March 31, 2017

I guess music would be better understood to celebrate life. Perhaps only genious like Mozart, who died at 35 years old, are able to write their own funeral music: expressing sadness for leaving, but strenght and hope for the people who stay a bit more... Reply

Andre Florida March 30, 2017

Prayer for death What is the Jewish prayer for death called Reply

Chana April 20, 2017

in response to Andre:

There is a prayer that the sons of the deceased recite for 11 months following the passing. It's called Kaddish.
Is this what you are referring to? Reply

Alicia Madrid April 1, 2016

Music and Happiness Thanks a lot, Rabbi Yacov Barber, for this wonderful and funny speach. Many musicians in History have made comparisons with music as the language of G-d, because music is a special language with lofty qualities. William James wrote: "I do not sing because I am happy: I am happy because I sing." Shabat Shalom. Reply

The Song of Death and the Song of Life: How we mourn our loved ones

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