Ethical Wills in the past have left detailed instructions on burial. These older Jewish customs have also become today templates to express emotional or non material things that you hope to hand down to someone. A dying person can hence list things he or she hopes to distill in son or daughter or grandchild. In addition, other family members can create letters or videos that let the person dying what they received most from them regarding their life. This is a difficult step for it involves acceptance of death but it allows for a better death and healing for all involved.
The article, “What is an Ethical Will?” from “Whats Your Grief” looks at the Ethical Wills Origins and how it has evolved to allow one to pass down more spiritual things to the ones they are leaving. The article states,
“I have now recommended ethical wills to many families who have loved ones who are dying. It is an incredible way for families to share what they will keep with them once a loved one is gone. For the person who is dying, the can share what they hope to leave behind that is not physical. Even when you cannot physically gather together, this is something you can still create. Family members can gather everyone’s written, video, or audio thoughts and share it with the person who is dying.”
To review the entire, article, please click here
Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Program as well as AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program and see if they match your academic and professional goals. Both programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four certification.