^{By Aliza Becker, Coordinator, Outreach and Support}

Author, speaker, advocate, lawyer, and clinician Jason B. Rosenthal recently spoke to an audience of more than 100 people at a JCFS program hosted by Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim in Deerfield and generously sponsored by the Lauri S. Bauer Foundation for Sudden Loss. Drawing from his own experience with loss and healing, Jason offered powerful lessons about love, grief, and resilience.

1. Have the hard conversations—before it’s too late.
Jason urged listeners to make time for honest end-of-life discussions with loved ones before illness makes communication impossible. These talks should cover both practical matters—like memorial details—and deeply personal ones that might otherwise go unsaid. He shared how meaningful it was for his late wife to reassure him that he would be a “good enough parent” and that their children would be okay. Though painful, these conversations are gifts to those left behind, easing the path toward healing.

2. Reach out, even when you don’t know what to say.
When someone is grieving, silence can feel isolating. Jason reminded the audience that it’s better to reach out awkwardly than not at all. A simple message such as, “I’m so sorry—I don’t know what to say, but I’m thinking of you,” can offer real comfort. He also encouraged being specific in your offer of support: instead of a vague “Let’s get together sometime,” say, “I’ll be at such-and-such place at 2 p.m. tomorrow—I’d love to see you if you’re up for it.” Don’t expect the bereaved to make the plans; make it easy for them to accept help.

3. Support grieving children as unique individuals.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to helping children grieve. Jason shared that while some of his children found comfort in therapy, others sought different ways to heal. The key is to meet each child where they are, allowing them to express loss in their own way and time.

4. Moving forward doesn’t mean moving on.
Grief changes us, but it doesn’t have to define us. Jason spoke about the human capacity for joy, resilience, and new beginnings. Healing means creating meaning from loss and moving forward with intention—not trying to return to the person we once were, but discovering who we can become. While it’s normal to feel guilt about embracing life again, he shared that finding love, joy, and purpose after loss is not a betrayal—it’s an act of honoring the life and love that came before.

JCFS offers grief support groups, programs and resources for those mourning the death of a loved one. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—you don’t need to navigate this journey alone. Contact Leah Shefsky, call 847.745.5404 or find help here for more information.