Grief is more than feelings of sadness. It can show up in multiple ways that change over time, including an inability to concentrate, loneliness, trouble sleeping, anger, irritability, as well as existential questions about life. The loss of a parent can be especially jarring.

Sometimes, it is helpful to have a group to support you on this journey, as it says in Genesis “It is not good for a human to be alone.”

Join Rabbi Dr. Greg Marcus, a trained grief counselor, for this highly interactive seven-session journey to help you deal with the loss of a parent, whether recent or not. One of the strengths of our Jewish tradition is the incredible toolbox of ancient and modern wisdom to help us process grief. Rabbi Greg will bring together both secular and spiritual wisdom to help you navigate your grief journey. This Parent Loss Jewish Grief group will help you:

· Put your experience into context as you learn about the grief process

· Talk about your grief and your parent in a safe and compassionate environment

· Engage with and honor your grief using Jewish tools and wisdom

· Build an ongoing relationship with your parent, even though they are gone

· Explore which parts of your parent’s legacy you wish to Honor, and which parts you might be ready to let go of

The seven-session group will follow a Jewish arc developed by the AriYael Jewish Healing Center that will include themes like Sharing Our Stories; Adjusting to being an Adult Orphan; Changing Family Constellations; Grieving as Healing, Tools on the Grieving Path; Jewish Grief Structures – Turning Memory into Blessing; Exploring the Stuck Places in Your Grief; Exploring growth and transformation in grief.

Rabbi Dr. Greg Marcus is an independent Community Rabbi serving the San Francisco Bay area. He creates safe spaces for learning, heart-work, prayer and ritual. Prior to his ordination in 2024, he had successful careers as a scientist, marketer in the genomics industry, writer, and life coach. He was also a stay-at-home dad for almost ten years. His mother Elaine Marcus died of Covid in 2020. You can learn more at RabbiGregMarcus.com