Turning Loss Into a Creative Ritual—A Father’s Kaddish

How does a father go on after the loss of his 23-year-old son Jared to brain cancer?  In A FATHER’S KADDISH, Steven Branfman, a potter and teacher, begins his grief process by making one Japanese tea bowl (chawan).  He continues making a new bowl every day for a year after Jared’s death – these were the only pots he made that year.  This is his way of saying Kaddish (the Jewish mourning prayer).

This powerful film shows traditional and non-traditional ways for people to grieve. From one man’s poignant story at the intersection of love, art, and ritual comes a universal lesson for all who have experienced loss.

Following the film will be a brief, live Q&A with film subject Steven Branfman and director Jen Kaplan.

This event is offered in partnership with the 14th Annual Austin Chevrah Kadishah Banquet. Tickets are not required, but participants must pre-register here.

Everyone is invited to stay after the film event and participate in the rest of the banquet program to learn more about the work of the Chevrah Kadishah.

This is a free event, supported by community donations which will help offset program expenses and support an upgrade of Austin Shmirah’s Last Responder website.