'The Jewish Journey Through Loss': Combining halacha and psychology in order to heal

February 16, 2026 - 03:13

A groundbreaking new book offers a compassionate roadmap for those navigating the profound journey of loss, uniquely weaving together the timeless wisdom of Jewish law (halacha) with contemporary psychological insights. This work is the collaborative effort of clinical psychologist Dr. Batya Ludman and Jewish educator Gina Junger, who have created a vital resource for healing.

The book addresses the multifaceted experience of grief, acknowledging that mourning is not only an emotional process but also a spiritual and physical one. It provides practical guidance rooted in Jewish tradition’s structured mourning periods—from shiva to the year of saying Kaddish—while simultaneously validating the individual’s internal emotional world through a psychological lens. This dual approach helps mourners honor ritual obligations without suppressing their personal needs.

By integrating halacha with therapeutic understanding, the authors validate that questions of faith, anger, and profound sadness can coexist with ritual observance. The work serves as both a comfort and a guide, helping individuals and communities support one another through loss with greater empathy and knowledge, fostering an environment where healing can truly begin.