Beloveds,

What happens when grief enters the room—and we’re still parenting, working, supporting others, being supported, trying to live?

In this tender episode of The Priestess is IN, I’m joined by my dear friend, fellow mother, and long-time Red Tent sister, Shira Gellman. Shira is a counselor and coach trained in the NARM model of healing trauma, and she’s recently been walking through the deep terrain of grief after the sudden death of her stepbrother.

We recorded this conversation as we approached Tisha B’Av—the day in the Jewish calendar that holds our communal grief, destruction, and longing. Together, we explore:

* How grief actually moves through us (hint: it’s not about “getting past it”)

* The importance of showing up with and for each other during times of mourning

* What it means to grieve as mothers with young children

* Making space for paradox: babies at Shiva, comfort in discomfort, joy beside sorrow

* Personal and spiritual rituals that anchor us—including a beautiful intergenerational protection prayer you can use right now

You’ll also hear reflections on Jewish mourning practices:

* Shiva (שבעה): The first seven days of mourning after burial, often observed in community with visits, prayer, and shared meals.

* Shloshim (שלושים): The 30-day period after burial, marking a shift from intense mourning toward return to everyday life.

* Minyan (מניין): A quorum of ten Jewish adults required for certain communal prayers, often gathered during Shiva to recite Kaddish, the mourner’s prayer.

And we zoom out to the wider grief in our world—collective loss, ancestral trauma, and what it means to stay present in a time of destruction—and how our traditions, our children, and each other can help us hold it all.

If you're grieving right now—someone you love, something precious that’s been lost, or the world as it is—I hope you feel held here. May you remember that your way of grieving is valid. And that comfort, joy, and love do return.

🕯️ Shabbat Nachamu—the Sabbath of Comfort—is coming.💗 Tu B’Av—the Day of Love—is coming.

And you are not alone.

For further resources on Jewish mourning and end-of-life support, I recommend The Shomer Collective—a beautiful, accessible hub of wisdom, care, and ritual grounded in Jewish tradition.

If you're tender with grief right now—personal, collective, ancestral—I've shared other posts that may offer comfort or companionship. Each includes both writing and audio, so you can read, listen, or do both:

🌀 Grief, Hope, How To — A channeled reflection on grief, rage, and what comes after.🌫️ Uncertainty — A raw, poetic piece about standing in the unknown and trusting your body to lead.

May these offerings meet you where you are.

With love and tenderness,Kohenet Annie

🎧 Listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts or right here on Substack.💬 I’d love to know what this conversation opens for you—feel free to reply or leave a comment.

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