October 17, 2023 – I am updating this webpage during an incredible painful and tragic time. The unprecedented acts of almost unspeakable violence against the Israeli people living their lives in the southern region near the Gaza continue to reverberate throughout civil society here and also touch people of good will around the globe. Due to the tremendous demand and need for mental health services informed by theory, research and clinical expertise, my colleagues and I will be devoting most of our energies to the Hebrew home page and the videos that we will be posting there. In calmer times, and with financial and institutional support, we will be able to reach out to broader swaths of those who can benefit from our sharing of knowledge. Thank you for your understanding.

Simon Shimshon Rubin – Director of the Laboratory

Autumn, 2023

Hello and Shalom,

This site functions as a bridge to link people. We seek to link those who are looking for answers to various questions and the International Laboratory for the Study of Loss, Bereavement and Human Resilience. We understand that many questions can lead you to our site. Some of you are dealing with the loss of a loved one and seek guidance, information or assistance. Some  of you are professionals and policy makers who look to this site as a source for up to date and reliable information. And many others may find themselves here due to any number of reasons. All of us are interconnected members of families, communities, and society where loss can come swiftly to change the lives of .people we are connected to.

We understand that loss is  a major topic and that simple answers can not begin to do justice to the meanings and impact of bereavement in our lives. The questions people have  vary and change for many reasons.The process of adapting to loss takes time, and understanding the multiple pathways that people take to respond to loss often takes time as well. The days, months, and years that follow bereavement reflect different realities for different people. There is no one right way or one reality for loss.

Our main goal in general, and for this website in particular, is to be of assistance to persons around the topic of bereavement, loss and resilience following loss. Resilience means some and all of the following: 1) the ability to overcome difficulty and live again after serious difficulty and tragedy; 2) that human quality of dignity that all of us share; and 3) those qualities that help us grieve and mourn the loss of those we love in ways that are adaptive.

The site is currently under construction and is undergoing revision. We hope that even in its present form, it can assist you in at least some of your search. My colleagues and I hope you will help us improve by providing feedback and suggestions There are also participatory activities which include conferences, seminars, involvement in research (with feedback to participants), and training for professionals.

For those of you who are in the midst of grief, we send our condolences. Grief and mourning are human experiences from the beginning of time for all of humankind. But the pain of grief and the mourning for a particular person who has died are always highly individual and meaningful in unique ways. May you find your way to remember your loved one and maintain your connection to life in ways that are right for you.

Sincerely,
Simon Shimshon Rubin
Director