A Different Kind of Memorial
Rather than holding a memorial after someone has died, this community holds one while the person is still approaching death — while they can still hear every cherished memory and every word of love from the people gathered around them. It also gives the dying person a chance to offer their own final blessing and guidance in return. This isn’t a new custom; it’s described as an ancient practice, with an example cited at the death of Emzara (Melchizedek 12:2).
Seven Days of Mourning
A period of seven days’ mourning follows a death — the same pattern recurs throughout the books: Jacob mourned Abraham for seven days, cutting his hair in grief; Aaron’s whole camp mourned seven days after the deaths of Nadab and Abihu; travel itself was set aside for seven days following a death on Moses’ own journey.
Burial Practice
Burial follows the same method used by the Essenes — the grave runs north to south, with the head placed at the south end, so that if the person were to sit up, they would find themselves facing north: the direction tied to happy endings and hope in Anokeesed.
Where to Read
- Handbook — Passing of a Loved One (p. 409)