As a traditional Jew attending an Orthodox synagogue, Elissa believes that the Torah provides a blueprint for living. God is an ever-present force in her life and she has an ongoing relationship with God. After the death of her first child, Elissa studied the Jewish beliefs of death and the afterlife.  In addition to the studies, becoming involved in tahara, the Jewish practice of preparing a Jew for burial, has been meaningful. Elissa described several metaphors including the messy back of a tapestry as the details of life and the fetus in utero as creation unaware of the mother providing all its needs. Highlights: ·       God informs her life, a pervasive force she is in relationship with daily.  ·       With the death of her first child, intense love became intense grief, and then a drive to understand the Jewish tradition’s view of death and the afterlife.  ·       Her child’s death was not in vain. Many lessons have come from the loss, and she feels blessed.  ·       Being present with someone’s grief and pain is a huge gift to the bereaved.  ·       To care for the dead is partnering with God. It is an honor to do this work. ·       Life is a little bridge and is a finite span away from the world of souls.  Social Media links for Elissa: Core Connects RI – https://www.coreconnectsri.com Social Media links for Méli: Talking with God Project –  https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/ Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.  Comments?  Want a transcript?  Email  Méli -          [email protected] The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project. For information on talks, blog posts and more, go to – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/