Weil Funeral Home - Jewish Funeral Practices

Let the mourner begin to talk and set the tone, especially in sensitive situations such as suicide or young deaths or guilt-ridden grief.
Listen considerately - not as though you are taking a breather before beginning to talk again. It is better to be silent than overly talkative.
Show concern for the mourner's well-being. Your face should wear a mien of seriousness, not necessarily sadness.
Ideally, your conversation should not be distracting, but therapeutic. The mourner's "small talk" should trigger your interest as though it is of great import.
Speak of the departed. It may appear to be hurtful, but in fact it helps the mourner to unburden himself. Recall the major events in his life, his opinions on important matters, the quality of his relationships.

1 2 3