Devora Krasnianski speaks with Joelle Eckstein, a beacon of strength and wisdom, and the founder of an organization that provides a lifeline of support and empowerment for young widows. In this episode, we’ll hear Joelle’s personal story – a story that took an unexpected turn and inspired her to create a community that addresses the unique needs of young widows. We’ll explore the challenges these women encounter as they navigate midlife as widowed women and explore actionable insights for both them and us to facilitate their journey toward a new and transformed life.
SHOW NOTES
Joelle’s book:
The Rabbi’s Widow: Turning Pain Into Purpose
02:12 About starting an organization for young widows.
05:00 How to support a young widow.
10:09 Don’t avoid the widow because you don’t know what to say.
11:16 Offer specific help and actually follow through.
12:00 Don’t say “I know what you are going through.”
12:33 What to say to a widow who you know in passing.
15:23 About the community for young widows.
18:04 The healing power of getting together with others who really understand.
20:12 Reclaiming Identity: ‘widowed woman’ rather than ‘widow’.
23:03 Widows shouldn’t go through this alone. There is support.
24:00 What not to say: “So are you going to get married again?”
30:13 Being widowed is only one part of their lives; there is so much more to them.
31:33 A little about Joelle’s story. 32:28 Wrapping up
