Upper School Students Attend Shiva Workshop

by Talia Herbst, SSLI '25

This morning, Judaic Studies teacher Morah Becky Friedman-Charry held an optional workshop for students in grades 7 to 12. This learning opportunity covered proper etiquette for attending a Shiva.

High schoolers and middle schoolers were engaged to learn about this unfortunately relevant topic. (S. Thorgersen)

Students attended this workshop with a sense of seriousness, as everyone is feeling deep sorrow and pain over the recently reported death of Schechter Alumnus Omer Neutra Z”L on October 7, 2023. Morah Becky spoke about what to say and what not to say when entering someone else's home for shiva, how to introduce yourself to the mourner(s), and different acts of kindness that can help show support to the grieving family. She shared, “I wish I didn't have to teach it, but it's clear to me that it met an important need that students have.”

Morah Becky was “very pleased with everyone's participation, attention, and engagement, as this topic is tough.” Senior Jorgia Saracino thought “it was helpful to hear the traditional sayings people say to comfort the mourners.”

Students learned the phrase “מן השמים תנוחמו” (Min HaShamayim Tenuchamu), which means “May you be comforted from heaven,” and “המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים” (HaMakom Yenachem Etchem B’toch She’ar Aveilei Tzion V'yerushalayim), meaning, “May God comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”

Saracino added, “I've heard the sayings, but never knew the meaning behind them.”

 

Students learned important shiva blessings .(S. Thorgersen)

The basics of Shiva are taught in a small unit during the 10th grade Bible curriculum. Morah Becky explained, “Most teenagers, most of the time, aren't interested in more than the basics, because, thankfully, this is not something uncommonly experienced….”

Senior Liam Golan said, “I was glad I attended; it is important to know how to pose yourself, and I felt the workshop was done well.”

Senior and Student Government Vice President Samson Mildron helped Morah Becky put this workshop together. He said, “This [workshop] is especially important right now, as our entire community is mourning the loss of our beloved Omer Neutra. It is very valuable and important that we know how to behave correctly and to continue this beautiful Jewish ritual.”

Omer was a true hero.

May his memory always be a blessing.

Talia Herbst is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since December 2021. Talia is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: therbst25@schechterli.org