Your Most Sacred Thoughts Delivered to the Most Sacred Spot on Earth

Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary is honored to offer a unique service that bridges the gap between your heart and the holiest site in Judaism. With our “Notes to the Wall” service, your most sacred hopes, dreams, and prayers can find their way to the Western Wall in Jerusalem, lovingly placed there on your behalf.

The Western Wall: The Ear of God

The Western Wall, or the Kotel, is a cornerstone of Jewish faith and tradition. Located in the heart of Jerusalem, it is the last remaining structure of the Second Temple, a sacred space where countless generations have poured out their hearts. Known as the “Ear of God,” the Wall is where prayers resonate deeply, carrying the weight of centuries of devotion.

It is said that every note left in the crevices of the Wall becomes part of an eternal dialogue with the Divine. By sending your prayer to the Western Wall, you’re participating in this profound tradition, connecting with the sacred in a uniquely personal way.

Gratitude and Intentions for the New Year

Prayer is not just about seeking help—it is also a way to give thanks and set intentions for the future. As the new year unfolds, this is the perfect time to pause and reflect on your blessings. Writing a prayer allows you to articulate gratitude for the joys in your life and commit to the goals and values that matter most. Whether it’s a new job, good health, or cherished relationships, expressing your thanks can help foster a mindset of abundance and hope.

Send Your Wishes to the Wall

At Hillside, we take this responsibility to heart. Submit your thoughts, prayers, and wishes to us, and we will ensure they are printed, folded, and placed in the Western Wall by our trusted partners in Jerusalem. Whether your prayer is for gratitude, guidance, or blessings for loved ones, your words will find a home at the holiest site in Judaism.

Send your note today and participate in a timeless tradition connecting you to faith, community, and the sacred. Let Hillside deliver your most cherished hopes to the Ear of God.

Learn more about Notes to the Wall on our site or call (310) 641-0707 today.

The Winter Holidays invite us to slow down, gather with loved ones, and embrace the beauty of shared traditions. It is an ideal opportunity to honor the richness of our heritage while weaving new experiences into the fabric of family life. We hope this list of suggestions inspires you to connect, reflect, and embrace the joy of the season with an open heart.

Give Back to the Community

This season of giving is an ideal time to focus on acts of kindness that embody Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world. Volunteering at a local shelter or food bank is a meaningful way to share blessings with those in need. Families can also organize their own mitzvah projects, such as assembling care packages or writing heartfelt cards for seniors and community members, bringing light to others’ lives during the holidays. If you’re unsure how to help, this list of options is a great place to start:

• Temple Israel of Hollywood Christmas Dinner Service
  This annual dinner feeds over 1,000 unhoused neighbors and provides them with toys, books, and hygiene kits. Hosted in conjunction with Hollywood United Methodist Church, this is a great way to take part in interfaith outreach that makes a real difference.

• Fundraising For Those in Need
  While organizations in Los Angeles can help you find volunteer opportunities, you can also support humanitarian organizations around the globe. The JDC matches donations or help you host fundraisers for a wide variety of global causes.

• Jewish Family Service LA
  Jewish Family Service LA has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. From toy drives to providing company for the elderly, view the list opportunities and call today.

Embrace the Holidays (with a Twist!)

Create New Traditions: Interfaith families can celebrate the season by blending traditions to create celebrations that borrow from different holidays.

Practice Interfaith Outreach:
Practice interfaith outreach by by inviting others to join your own traditions, or join a friend of another faith to learn how they celebrate. This is a great way to deepen your connection to your community and give your family new experiences. 

Enjoy the Arts and Entertainment

The holiday break is a perfect time to experience the richness of the arts. Many museums remain open, offering a chance to explore fascinating exhibits or engage in special holiday programming. 

• • Visit Museums: While LA Art Museums host special exhibits year-round, the winter holidays are the perfect time to to go see them. We highly recommend visiting the Skirball Cultural Center’s exhibit: Diane von Furstenberg Woman Before Art. Famed for her signature Wrap Dress, the exhibit explores how von Furstenberg became a household name beyond the fashion world, paving the way for women to become business leaders, philanthropists, and symbols of female liberation.
    You can read more about the experience in this month’s blog post about the exhibit. [ link]

  • Stick with the Classics: Chinese food and a movie on Christmas remains a classic tradition around the holidays. Our pick: catch A Complete Unknown for a biopic about the life and times of a Jewish American icon – Bob Dylan.

• Pershing Square Ice Rink: Embrace the cold by skating under the blue skies in Pershing Square. This outdoor ice rink offers fun for all ages and taste of real winter in Southern California.

• Embrace Your Creativity: Dive into family photo albums and create your own book family stories – picture included. Group projects are a great way to relive fond memories and collaborate draw each other closer.

Make the Most of This Season Together

The Winter Holiday break offers an invaluable chance to pause, reflect, and cherish time with loved ones. Whether celebrating cherished traditions, giving back to the community, or simply enjoying time together, these activities provide meaningful ways to connect with Jewish heritage and embrace the spirit of the season. This year, let family outings and shared experiences create moments that will be remembered long after the holidays have passed.

The Winter Holidays are a perfect time to enjoy the arts with loved ones. Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary is proud to sponsor a special exhibition at the Skirball Cultural center: Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion. Read our interview with The Skirball Cultural Center’s Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Jered Gold, for an introduction to the exhibit, then plan your visit on their site today to experience it for yourself.

Plan Your Visit Today  

Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary: How did the exhibit come about? How does it fit into Skirball’s mission?

Jered Gold: The museum department at the Skirball oversees exhibitions and learned about the exhibit when it first debuted at the Fashion and Lace Museum in Brussels. They reached out to the original curator and discussed bringing it to the Skirball. During their due diligence process, Diane visited the Skirball, understood its mission, and approved the collaboration.

The Skirball Cultural Center is founded on Jewish values but aims to be a place for everyone. Our exhibitions often explore Jewish identity while emphasizing themes like pluralism and civil rights.

Diane is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. Highlighting her Jewish identity was personally significant and aligns with our mission. The Jewish story is fundamentally one of immigrants, and Diane von Fürstenberg’s story is no different. By showcasing her work, we connect with people who may not share a Jewish background but can relate to her immigrant experience. Diane is also a self-made woman, which resonates broadly with everyone.

HMPM: How is the exhibit organized? What kind of story will visitors discover?

JG: The exhibition is organized into four main sections. It begins with the wrap dress, which Diane didn’t invent but reinvented into a fashion icon. This section highlights the wrap dress’s significance in fashion history, particularly how it gave women new forms of freedom and self-expression.

The next section explores Diane’s broader contributions to fashion, focusing on her inspirations, especially her love of nature and patterns.

The exhibit also delves into her career and entrepreneurship, showcasing how she built her company from the ground up during an era when women entrepreneurs were rare, making her accomplishments extraordinary.

It concludes with her philanthropy, highlighting her commitment to empowering other women and supporting their work through initiatives like the DVF Awards.

HMPM: Why was the wrap dress so revolutionary?

JG: The wrap dress put Diane on the map in the early 1970s, a time when women were just beginning to gain recognition in the workplace. Women often emulated men’s fashion with pantsuits to fit into professional spaces. Diane’s wrap dress offered an alternative. The dress transitioned seamlessly from day to evening wear, helping women feel confident and stylish in both settings — empowering them to embrace their femininity and live a fuller, authentic life.

HMPM: Can you share, in a sentence, what DVF’s lasting impact is? On fashion? On feminism? On philanthropy?

JG: When it comes to fashion, Diane paved the way for women to lead fashion houses, becoming one of the first prominent female entrepreneurs in the industry. Through the wrap dress and her designs, she empowered women to be both feminine and powerful, a legacy that continues to resonate today. Her foundation gives back in meaningful ways, from the DVF Awards to projects like funding the Statue of Liberty Museum and spearheading the High Line in New York City.

HMPM: Her mother Lily fought the Nazis as a partisan and was a Holocaust survivor. Can you talk about her influence on Diane’s life philosophy?

JG: Diane has visited the Skirball several times, hosting events and participating in panels. During these occasions, she often speaks about her mother, Lily, who was a Holocaust survivor. Diane has shared that her mother was advised to wait before having children after her liberation from the camps, but Diane was born just months later. Her mother referred to her as her “torch of freedom,” and this identity continues to shape Diane’s worldview. Her mother’s resilience fueled Diane’s ambition to create her business and become the person she is today.

HMPM: What was your impression of Diane when you met her?

JG: Diane is the very definition of iconic. She carries herself with an effortless grace, and there’s a quiet strength about her that’s truly remarkable. The way she engages with others is unlike anything I’ve ever seen—she is both relaxed and commanding and manages to wo

HMPM: Has she talked about her Jewish heritage and its impact on her life?

JG: Diane is proud of her Jewish heritage, but she doesn’t think of herself only as a Jewish designer. She didn’t want the exhibit to only define her that way. She wanted it tell the story of “Diane von Fürstenberg: Woman Before Fashion.” At the Skirball, our mission is to connect people through shared experiences. At the same time, the story of Jewish American life and the Jewish diaspora is one of immigration. So if visitors relate Diane’s story to the Jewish-American experience through her experience as an American immigrant, then we’ve succeeded in creating connection.

What role did the donors play in this exhibit?

JG: Donors make it possible to bring Diane’s story to life. Their generosity supports not only this exhibit but also the accompanying programs, documentaries, and public events we host for visitors.

Hillside has been a long-time sponsor of the Skirball. In addition to supporting the DVF exhibit, they’ve sponsored many others. We’ve worked with Hillside for many years and we look forward to working together on more exciting projects in the future.

Discover the remarkable story of Diane von Fürstenberg and her iconic contributions to fashion, feminism, and philanthropy—plan your visit today and experience the exhibit at the Skirball for yourself.

Plan Your Visit Today  

When someone close to us loses a loved one, it can feel overwhelming, both for them and for us. We often feel powerless to help, unsure of what to say or do in the face of such deep sadness. However, while grief can’t be “fixed,” there are practical steps we can take to be a compassionate and steady support system for those in mourning. Offering kindness, patience, and understanding in the days, weeks, and even months following a loss can make a difference.

How to Support Loved Ones After a Loss 

In the immediate aftermath of a loved one’s passing, small but meaningful gestures can provide essential comfort. If you have a close relationship with the grieving person, consider visiting them in person, even if it’s just to sit quietly together. Sometimes, your presence alone is enough. Offering practical help, like preparing meals or leaving them for the family, are other thoughtful ways to lighten their load. When you offer condolences, simple ones are best: “I’m so sorry for your loss” or “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you” are sensitive and respectful. Avoid clichés such as “They’re in a better place” or “Everything happens for a reason,” as these statements may unintentionally minimize their grief. Instead, validate their feelings by acknowledging their pain. Grief is complex, and people need time to process their emotions, so be patient, offer support without rushing them through their mourning.

As time passes, it’s important to continue checking in on your loved one. Grief doesn’t follow a predictable timeline, and the weeks or even months after the funeral can be especially difficult. Reaching out regularly shows that you’re still there, even after the initial outpouring of sympathy has faded. A simple text, a phone call, or an invitation to meet for coffee or a walk can help them feel less isolated. Sometimes, just offering to be a companion for everyday activities like going for a walk, running errands, or grabbing lunch can provide a comforting distraction and remind them they are not alone in their sorrow. Tell them you can listen, but don’t pressure them to talk if they’re not ready. It’s also helpful to acknowledge milestones, like the death anniversary or the deceased’s birthday, as these dates can bring up fresh waves of grief.

How to Continue Supporting a Grieving Loved One

Even months after the loss, your continued support remains vital. Many people feel abandoned in the long-term stages of grief as others move on with their lives. The healing journey is often a long and winding road, and your ongoing presence can offer much-needed reassurance. Check-in with your friend or family member regularly, and let them know you’re there, whether they want to share memories, sit in silence, or simply be around someone who understands. If you can, offer help with tasks that may feel overwhelming, such as helping them organize their home or helping them with financial paperwork related to their loss.

Find Grief Support Resources at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary

At Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, we understand the emotional weight of loss, so we are committed to offering both services for those experiencing grief and educational resources to the Los Angeles community. We are here not only to help with funeral and memorial services but also to provide guidance on navigating the complexities of grief. Our compassionate team offers support through every step of the mourning process, ensuring that no one has to grieve alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, our team at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary is here to help. Contact us today for compassionate support and resources at (310) 641-0707 or https://www.hillsidememorial.org/contact-us/. 

Grief can feel isolating and overwhelming in times of loss. The Jewish tradition offers unique comfort through its perspective on death and mourning. These practices are designed not only to honor the deceased but also to support the living as they navigate the emotional and spiritual journey of grief. The Jewish perspective provides structure and solace, guiding individuals through one of life’s most difficult experiences with compassion and respect.

Grief as a Form of Connection 

Judaism teaches that honoring, respecting, and caring for the deceased is one of the greatest mitzvot (commandments) a person can perform. This deeply held belief underscores the idea that every individual deserves dignity in both life and death. Caring for the dead —through rituals such as preparing the body for burial, participating in the funeral, and observing mourning customs—is seen as an act of great spiritual significance. By fulfilling this mitzvah, Jewish people demonstrate profound respect for the sanctity of life and the cycle of death. It is a way of showing gratitude for the deceased’s life while helping those who remain to cope with the loss. This sense of sacred duty is meant to comfort the mourners and the community by fostering a connection to the deceased even after their passing.

Grief is a Process in Jewish Tradition

One of the core elements of Jewish mourning customs is the emphasis on burying the deceased as quickly as possible after death. The urgency of the burial also serves a practical purpose for the survivors: it allows the mourning process to begin, offering them a clear path to grieve and heal. By attending to the deceased’s needs without delay, mourners are afforded the time and space to mourn without the added burden of prolonged waiting.

The Jewish mourning process is filled with rituals designed to help mourners express their grief, find support in the community, and eventually come to terms with their loss. From the speed of burial to the comforting presence of family and friends during shiva, these practices offer a sense of structure and peace during a time that can otherwise feel chaotic and unmanageable. 

The existence of these traditions reveals an important idea: while no one grieves the same way, nobody should grieve alone. Instead, it’s a process best navigated with your family and community – through events that bring people in to support us and traditions that allow us to look back at how others have sought solace. Rather than trying to “move past” the death of a loved one or “return to normal,” it accepts that these painful emotions are a part of life and provides a structured way to experience them.

We’re Here to Help You Honor Your Traditions

At Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, we honor these traditions and everyone’s personal approach to grief. We provide a supportive environment where families can grieve, heal, and find comfort according to their faith and customs. Whether you are seeking guidance on Jewish funeral arrangements and mortuary services or Grief Support Groups for help through the mourning process, we are here to provide compassionate care for you and your family at (310) 641-0707 and https://www.hillsidememorial.org/contact-us/. 

The holiday season is often seen as a time of celebration, joy and connection. However, for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one it can also be a time of deep heartache and painful reminders of those who are no longer there. The traditions unique to your family that once brought comfort may now feel overwhelming and difficult to face.

If you’re struggling with grief this holiday season, please know that you are not alone. Grief is often a complex and uncertain journey, and the holidays can magnify uncomfortable or distressing emotions in ways that might make it difficult to explain to friends or family. 

Everyone grieves differently and your grief is unique to you. There is no wrong way to grieve, and there is no timeline. Grief is not something to “fix” and it cannot be “cured.” The good news is that there are ways to care for yourself, find support and create space for healing, even in the throes of the holiday activities. While grief can feel incredibly isolating, please know that you don’t have to walk this path alone.

How Grief Can Affect You During the Holidays

Emotional Fatigue: Feelings such as sadness, anxiety, and anger may unexpectedly surface. You might find yourself struggling with mixed emotions, and torn between participating in festive activities and needing time alone to be quiet and reflect.

Physical Fatigue: Grieving is a physical experience as well. It can be exhausting trying to manage your emotions, attending holiday events, or even walking into a room with your chin up can be incredibly draining. Your body needs time to recover, and it’s okay to honor yourself and rest.

Guilt: For some people guilt can come up when you’re asked to attend an event that you don’t want to attend. You might feel like you’re letting friends or family down if you decide not to go, or are having trouble embracing the season. Please know that it is okay to be exactly where you are in your grief. If you say yes, and then change your mind, that’s okay too. This is how you feel for now, it is not how you will feel forever.

Ways to Cope with Grief During the Holidays

While there is no way to fix grief or erase the pain of loss, there are self-care and self-compassionate things you can do to help navigate your way through the more difficult times.\

Acknowledge Your Feelings: Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up for you without judging yourself. If you need to cry, cry. If you need time alone, please take it. The grieving process isn’t linear. Some days will feel heavier while others will feel lighter. It is okay to say no to things that feel like too much on any given day.

Reach Out for Support: Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether it’s a grief support group, calling a friend, seeing a therapist or grief coach, reaching out for support can help you to feel seen, heard and understood. Talking about your grief helps to lighten the emotional load.

Give Yourself Permission to Take a Step Back: It’s so important to prioritize your emotional well-being and take a step back when needed. Trust yourself. If you need to opt out of an event (even if you’ve already accepted the invitation), it is perfectly okay to change your mind and take a pass. Please do so without guilt.

Again, trust yourself. Your emotional needs are your priority at this time.

Practice Self-Care: There are many forms of self-care. Whether you take a walk or a warm bath, read a good book, call a close friend, lose yourself in a good movie or tv show, meditate, listen to music, or do yoga, the important thing is to find what works for you. When we’re in grief or mourning, self-care is essential to our well-being.

Honor Your Love One’s Memory: When you feel like it’s the right time, try to find a way to honor your loved one. This can be by cooking a meal or dessert they loved and sharing it with others, share stories about them with others or even creating some kind of small ritual to honor them.

The Holidays can be hard, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. 

By leaning on supportive practices and honoring your needs, you may find moments of peace, healing, and even relief. If you or or a loved one are going through grief, learn more about our monthly Grief Support Groups or contact us at (310) 641-0707 to speak to our compassionate staff about other resources.

A small, painted, blue memorial stone with the Hebrew word “remember” in Jerusalem, Israel.

While anniversaries of a death are normally observed in private, the Yizkor service is a public observance for grieving families and their communities during the High Holidays. These vital ceremonies are one of the most important traditions that have always brought the bereaved together for mutual support and comfort in the Jewish community.

What is a Yizkor Service?  

Yizkor services are deeply reflective and involve a series of readings and prayers, both recited and chanted, which call participants to remember the lives and legacies of those we have lost. To begin, individuals silently read specific paragraphs to honor and remember deceased loved ones, with sections dedicated to a father, mother, spouse, child, other relatives, friends, and Jewish martyrs. Afterward, the El Male Rahamim prayer, which is also recited at Jewish funerals, is chanted as a memorial for the deceased. Additionally, the Av HaRahamim prayer is spoken by the congregation in remembrance of all Jewish martyrs, and some include Psalm 23. Although traditionally the Mourner’s Kaddish is not part of Yizkor, many congregations incorporate it as the concluding prayer of the service. 

When are Yizkor Services Held? 

During the High Holidays, Yizkor services are held on three dates: Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret immediately following Sukkot, and on Simchat. Traditionally a time of reflection on the past year, the High Holidays are a fitting time to remember those who are no longer with us, and to surround ourselves with emotional support before the new year.

Who Can Participate in a Yizkor Service? 

In some Jewish communities, those who have not experienced a loss in the past year choose to sit out the duration of the Yizkor service. While ceremonies are for the bereaved, many Rabbis ask the whole congregation to stay for the duration of the service to uplift those who are suffering. Ultimately, the decision to sit out or participate is yours. However, standing next to a mourner during the Mourner’s Kaddish, especially if they are alone, can be a powerful show of compassion.

How to Add Names to the Yizkor book?

To ensure that your loved ones are honored during Yizkor, many Temples ask members to provide a list of those to be remembered in the coming year when they join or renew their affiliation. If someone passes away during the year, their name is usually added automatically. It’s a good idea to confirm with the synagogue office to ensure important names are not missing from the list.

While Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary has hosted Yizkor services on select occasions, like our recent Kever Avot Service which can viewed here, most local temples offer Yizkor services during the High Holidays. If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one, the quiet moments of remembrance and reflection during this vital tradition can provide a meaningful connection during this difficult time.

Charity. Lignting of Praying candles in a temple.

Yahrzeit candles are one of the most profound symbols in Judaism, and a source of comfort during grief. Yahrzeit literally means “anniversary of death.” Lighting a Yahrzeit candle at sunset is a reminder of the light loved ones brought into our lives, and the love we continue to show them by honoring their memory. While these candles can be lit every week for Shiva during the mourning period, they are traditionally lit on the eve of the anniversary of a loved one’s passing and as a part of Yizkor services on important holidays.

Why Light Yahrzeit Candles at Sunset?

In Jewish tradition, the Yahrzeit candle is typically lit at sunset, marking the beginning of the Yahrzeit, which follows the Hebrew calendar. Since Jewish days begin at sundown, the candle should be lit the evening before the anniversary. This allows the candle to burn for the full 24 hours, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the deceased.

Yom Kippur

On the eve of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, many families light a Yahrzeit candle at sunset. Yom Kippur is devoted to prayer, fasting, and reflection. Lighting the candle allows individuals to honor those who have passed during this holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

Shemini Atzeret

Shemini Atzeret, which follows the seven-day festival of Sukkot and closes out the year’s Torah readings with Simchat Torah, is another occasion to light a Yahrzeit candle. This day of assembly and prayer is a fitting time to remember the lives of those we’ve lost and to honor their legacy at the end of this festive season. 

Passover

During Passover, a Yahrzeit candle is traditionally lit on the eve of the last day of the holiday. As Passover symbolizes renewal and liberation, lighting the candle serves as a tribute to family members who can no longer join in the celebration.

Shavuot

The second day of Shavuot, a holiday celebrating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, is also a time to light a Yahrzeit candle. The candle is lit at sundown, allowing families to honor their loved ones while reaffirming their connection to Jewish teachings.

Digital Yahrzeit Memorials and Calendars

In keeping with the evolving ways to memorialize loved ones, Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary is pleased to offer families a range of digital Yahrzeit services. Families can receive email reminders before the anniversary of a loved one’s death, which includes a virtual plaque to commemorate the life of your loved one and a virtual yahrzeit candle, which can be displayed on your phone or any electronic device.

We also offer a complimentary 20-year calendar listing the dates of your loved one’s yahrzeit corresponding to the secular calendar. To request your Yahrzeit Calendar, please call our office at (800) 576-1994 or (310) 641-0707.

As a time of celebration with family, the loss of someone dear can feel especially painful during the High Holidays. However, this time of year also presents an opportunity to honor and reflect on those we miss. Read on to discover ways to remember our loved ones and feel close to them during the High Holidays.

Visit Their Resting Place

One of the best ways to feel connected to our loved ones is to spend time with them in person. Many families visit the cemetery either the day before Rosh Hashashanah or Yom Kippur. Small acts like bringing flowers, taking a moment of silence, or talking to them can help make us feel close to those who have passed on. Taking time to connect with our memories of our loved ones also brings us into the traditions of memory and reflection at the center of the High Holidays. 

Share Memories

Connecting with family through shared memories is one of the best ways to honor your loved ones’ legacy. Telling stories and getting out photo albums are some of the best ways to recall happy times together and draw your family close. This kind of communal storytelling honors lives well-lived and preserves their memory for future generations. 

Continue Their Favorite Traditions

In addition to telling stories, continuing to celebrate family holiday traditions can help preserve your loved ones’ legacies. Cooking their favorite recipes, setting the table with their favorite dishes, singing their favorite songs, or continuing donations to causes they love are all great ways to honor their memories.  

Reach Out for New Ideas

If you’re looking for ways to memorialize your loved one, we would be happy to help at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary. Our floral store can help you deliver fresh flowers to your loved ones’ final resting place, with a photo to confirm delivery. If you would like to carry out a personalized family ceremony, we would be happy to help facilitate it at the park or an offsite location to honor the life and memory of your family.

One of the best ways to help your child process their grief is to share stories and books by experts. Whether you’re introducing the concept to them for the first time, or trying to help them navigate ongoing grief, this reading list is specially curated for children of all ages. While there are many books on this subject, here is a diverse selection for you to share with your family.

Anticipating Grief

A Different Kind of Passover

by Linda Leopold-Strauss

When Jessica’s Grandpa is too sick to join the family seder, she and her family find creative ways to include him, reminding us that with love and imagination, we can adapt holiday traditions to include those who are ill or nearing the end of their lives.

Cinnamon Roll Sunday

by Jennifer Allen

Cinnamon Roll Sunday follows seven-year-old Noah as he navigates the challenges of his father’s serious illness, offering a tender and resilient exploration of anticipatory grief for children.

Ages 4-6

The Memory Tree

by Britta Teckentrup

When Fox passes away, his forest friends gather to share cherished memories, and as they do, an orange tree grows in his honor, symbolizing how his kindness and love live on in their hearts—a gentle way to introduce themes of death, grief, and enduring love.

The Dead Bird

by Margaret Wise Brown

Margaret Wise Brown’s 1938 story The Dead Bird follows four children who find and bury a dead bird, providing a poignant exploration of loss, grief, and the beauty of caring for others—even those we barely know.

Ages 6-8

The Invisible String

by Geoff Stevenson

Written to address children’s fear of being apart from loved ones, The Invisible String delivers a compelling message in today’s uncertain times that though we may be separated from the ones we care for through anger, distance or even death, love is the connection that binds us all.

The Healing Book

by Ellen Sabin

This interactive book helps children and families express their feelings and explore memories of a loved one who has passed away. It serves as a versatile activity book and journal, fostering communication and creating a lasting scrapbook of memories during the grieving process.

Ages 8-12

And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer

by Fredrik Backman

This lyrical novella follows an old man grieving for his late wife and his deteriorating mind, as he teaches his grandson Noah how to say a perfect goodbye, reminding readers that those we mourn have also experienced grief and cherished memories.

The Empty Place: A Child’s Guide Through Grief

by Roberta Temes

When a nine-year-old boy’s beloved big sister dies, he is confused, angry and fearful. For the first time he must face the finality of death and the pain of loss. His parents, also grieving, seem distant, until a counselor teaches them all how to cope and heal.

Ages 12-14

The Thing About Jellyfish

by Ali Benjamin

After her former best friend Franny dies in a drowning accident, 12-year-old Suzy, unable to accept the explanation, becomes obsessed with the idea that a jellyfish sting caused Franny’s death, leading her on a journey of scientific inquiry through the complicated emotions of personal grief.

When Death Walks In

 by Mark Scrivani

When Death Walks in offers supportive information for facing grief during the teen years. In addition to providing important information about grief, it also helps adolescents learn what they can do about anger, sadness and all the emotions that come when death walks in.

Ages 15-17

Weird is Normal When Teenagers Grieve

by Jenny Lee Wheeler

Written by an actively grieving teen, Jenny Lee Wheeler helps normalize that there is no ‘right way’ for teenagers to grieve and validates that it is perfectly normal to experience the many feelings and emotions associated with grief differently than adults.

Help for the Hard Times, Getting Through Loss 

by Earl Hipp

This illustrated guide that helps teens understand how they experience grief and loss, how our culture in general doesn’t often acknowledge their losses or give them tools to grieve, and how they can keep their loss from overflowing.

Reach Out if You Need More Resources

Children process grief differently at each stage of life. While this journey is never easy, we hope this list of thoughtfully curated books serves as a helpful resource for parents seeking to support their children through the grieving process. If you still need help or more resources, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information.