Like religion and politics, grief is often treated as a taboo topic in everyday conversation. We stay quiet to spare those who are hurting, but what if our silence actually makes the pain worse?

In this episode, we sit down with special guest Ruby Kraner-Tucci to explore what happens when we break the silence around loss, how to navigate the awkwardness of grief, and why talking about death is essential to finding meaning.

Read Ruby’s writing:

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/health/mental-health/my-dad-died-suddenly-but-the-silence-that-followed-felt-like-losing-him-again/news-story/f26ec17fa633e99aa8b7d17497f64663

"My dad died suddenly, but the silence that followed felt like losing him again"

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We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Send your feedback to findingourwhy@thejewishindependent.com.au

For emotional support, contact Griefline, which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and information to people experiencing grief and loss across Australia. Call 1300 845 745

This episode explores several questions about faith and meaning.

Do people who believe in a higher power and prayer have more meaning in their lives?

Can someone fully experience the richness of Jewish ritual and festival observance without belief in God and Halacha?

Is it appropriate to adapt sacred texts, such as rewriting the Shema, to better reflect contemporary values?

Who is ultimately responsible for the good and bad in our world?

Feedback on this episode is welcome at findingourwhy@thejewishindependent.com.au

The episode features the beautiful words of Avinu Malkeni sung by The Shvesters

What is the difference between Jewish education that simply passes along information and learning that truly stays with you for a lifetime?

In this episode, we address a critical question facing our community: Should we focus our resources on fighting antisemitism, or invest them in strengthening Jewish literacy and engagement?

We wrap up with a traditional, chavruta-style Talmud study, examining how Ben Zoma’s teachings in Pirkei Avot (4:1) offered a new framework for Jewish continuity after the fall of the Second Temple.

Feedback on this episode is welcome at findingourwhy@thejewishindependent.com.au

Listeners are welcome to enjoy Ittay’s ‘Finding Our Why - Shabbat playlist at:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5dIphpo9dqi1Ed1HdGofGV?si=gaDCu-3MRdGOO-O19bngmQ