Observing religious laws and traditions, Jews are buried quickly. In most circumstances there is an obligation to deliver a hesped (eulogy). Eulogies need to be composed in the brief and raw time following a death, and consequently always have a profound and special quality. These powerful pieces of writing encapsulate the essence of a person and their life. They are crafted to honour the person,and by mentioning their good deeds encourage the listeners to consider their own legacies. As the Talmud and subsequent halachic commentaries suggest (Shulchan Orech, Yoreh De’ah 344:1) they should also aim to make the mourners feel the pain of their loss and offer some comfort too.

The archive includes some eulogies from tombstone consecration services which usually take place many months after the funeral. These are written in a calmer atmosphere and after the passage of some time with a different perspective.

This website is a place of tribute and memorial.It has been developed and will be maintained with an intention of dignity, respect and holiness. We hope you will find your visit gives you an opportunity to pause from the normal pace of life, to read these stories and be inspired.