Last Kindness

10/06/2026

Our friends at Neshama Jewish Funeral Services have created an interesting series of short videos exploring Jewish funeral and burial practices. We’re pleased to share this one and add a little perspective from Project Last Kindness.

One important point that is often misunderstood: the Jewish practice of burying as quickly as possible is first and foremost for the benefit of the deceased—not primarily for the mourners.
Judaism understands a human being as a combination of body and soul, intertwined throughout life.

At death, the two separate. The act of burying the body actually brings comfort to the soul during this vulnerable time. The body has died, but the soul of the deceased is very much alive—aware and sensitive to how its body is being treated. The sooner the body is laid to rest, the sooner the soul can move forward on its journey beyond the physical world.

The Torah—the Jewish Bible—gives us an explicit positive commandment: “You shall surely bury him on that day” (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Of course, same-day burial isn’t always practical or possible. But the reason we strive not to delay is profound: the body may have ceased to live, but the soul lives on. Burial is something we do to benefit the person who has died.

09/15/2026

Fantastic article. There’s a powerful paradox in remembering that life is finite: it can help us live more fully, purposefully, and joyfully. Great read.

Confronting death encourages you to live life more fully.

06/08/2026

Even in death, identity matters. After decades, five Jewish soldiers were finally honored beneath the Magen David.

ABMC and Operation Benjamin exchanged five Latin cross headstones for Stars of David June 2 at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.

05/08/2026

One woman shares her firsthand experience of preparing a friend’s mother for burial—and the profound beauty and gentleness of that care.

I wasn’t prepared for the life-changing experience.

05/04/2026

Grateful to the Meor Maryland MEOR Maimonides program at the University of Maryland for the opportunity to speak with such an engaged and thoughtful group of students.

A terrific group—curious, reflective, and asking meaningful questions. These kinds of conversations can shape choices in powerful ways, both now and in the future, and ripple outward as they influence others.

05/04/2026

So grateful to the MEOR Maimonides program at the University of Maryland for inviting me to speak.

Loved meeting such an engaged, thoughtful, and genuinely impressive group of students. Always inspiring to spend time with young Jews asking real questions and thinking deeply.

Thank you for the opportunity!

04/14/2026

What happens to those who have no one to advocate for them after dying?

In Kentucky, a new law now requires the state to contact religious organizations before cremating unclaimed individuals — giving them the opportunity to step in and provide proper burial.

We applaud Chabad for championing this effort and protecting the dignity of those who might otherwise be forgotten.

This is what kavod hameis looks like in action.

While earlier versions of the bill specifically referenced Chabad, the final law was broadened to include any religious organization willing to assume responsibility.

04/07/2026

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/cremation-a-violent-end-to-the-body-and-soul/

03/31/2026

Passover is a time when many of us reflect on life, legacy, and the values we hope to carry forward. At Project Last Kindness, we are privileged to help individuals and families navigate some of life’s most important decisions with thoughtfulness and care.

May your holiday be filled with reflection, connection, and peace.

03/10/2026

Many people want to comfort someone sitting shiva - but aren’t sure what to say or do.

Jewish tradition offers a beautiful framework for showing up with sensitivity and care.

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg explains how to make a shiva call and what matters most in those moments.

Read the article here:https://lastkindness.org/how-to-pay-a-proper-shiva-call/