Ep. 19: What Does Judaism Teach About Bereavement and the Afterlife? PART 1

What if Judaism doesn’t have a clear doctrine about the afterlife?In this eye-opening, two-part episode of "In Such a Time," Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy unravel one of the most avoided—and misunderstood—topics in Jewish life: death, grief, and what comes “next.” From candid childhood questions to the complexities of funerals in Israel, the hosts dive deep into how Jews talk (or don’t talk) about death, and why our discomfort might reveal more than our beliefs.Key highlights include:The shock of how little the Torah directly says about the afterlife, in contrast to other religionsRabbi Jonathan Jaffe breaking down four main Jewish "lanes" of belief surrounding death—from physical resurrection to the impact of legacyRabbi Leora Londy sharing poignant stories of children processing loss, and the transformative role of the chevra kadisha (burial society)A frank discussion on the differences between Israeli and American funerals, and how culture and superstition shape ritualHonest confession from both rabbis about what they actually believe, why certainty isn’t necessary, and how Jewish ritual helps everyone—doubters and believers alike—find meaning and comfortPowerful guidance on grief, remembrance, and why funerals might be the most life-affirming Jewish event of allIf you think death is a subject left for whispers and dark corners, this episode will surprise you. Prepare for stories that break open taboos, challenge easy answers, and equip you for the moments that matter most.Timestamped Overview:00:00 –Intro Announcersets the stage for a frank conversation on Jewish life, leadership, and meaning00:20 –Rabbi Jonathan Jaffeintroduces the theme: Jewish beliefs about death and the afterlife, sparked by a congregant’s experience at a Christian funeral01:36 –Rabbi Leora Londydiscusses why Jews avoid talking about death and how childhood questions unlock the topic03:25 – The role of children at funerals and how Jewish burial practices confront the reality of death05:01 – Cultural contrasts between American and Israeli funerals and the existential weight of remembrance in Israel07:16 –Rabbi Jonathan Jaffeoutlines four central Jewish perspectives on the afterlife—physical resurrection, spiritual afterlife, return to the divine, and legacy through memory12:46 –Rabbi Leora LondyRabbi Jonathan Jaffeandget personal about their own beliefs and the comfort (and discomfort) around religious “certainty”17:15 – Why funerals are life-affirming, and what Jews really remember about their loved ones29:39 – The emotional toll of officiating and mourning, and how Jewish ritual provides structure to weather grief35:50 – Yearly rituals, Yizkor, and how communities continually support mourners38:56 – The power of commemorating death days (Yahrzeit), tying together loss and new beginnings39:53 – What’s next: A preview of part two with practical questions around Jewish mourning and the afterlifeThis episode is packed with insights, vulnerability, and guidance for anyone grappling with questions of mortality—Jewish or not.