Traditionally, a Jew is obligated to observe these mourning rites for deceased parents, spouses, siblings, and children. However, in our community we also honor and support the choice to observe them when grieving the loss of a grandparent, step-parent, aunt, uncle, cousin, teacher or close friend.  There is a lot of misleading and hurtful information out there about identities or causes of death that would disqualify someone from receiving a Jewish burial or participating in Jewish mourning rituals.  At IKAR, we affirm that you and your loved ones are created in the image of God and deserve the full dignity our tradition offers in a time of loss.