Judaism provides a bracha/blessing for nearly every circumstance, from eating to studying Torah, from appreciating nature to using a toilet. We know to say “mazal tov!” when we hear good news, such as an engagement, new baby, work promotion. When we hear not-so-good news, we’re often tongue-tied.

The sages to the rescue!

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱ’לֹהֵֽינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם דַיַּן הָאֱמֶת
baruch atta adonai eloheinu melech ha’olam dayyan ha’emet.

We praise You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, Judge of Truth.

The sages gave us this bracha to recite when we hear of a death or other bad tidings. But it’s not an easy bracha, nor should it be.

The bracha is enigmatic. It might be the equivalent of “it’s God’s will,” or “God knows why this happened this way.”

What is there to say when we learn of a loss? “I’m sorry” or “That’s terrible”? Or another phrase that demands a response from a grieving, hurting person?

For me, the bracha indicates that the sages gave up trying for a formulation that brings solace while invoking God. All they could do is express through these few words that the when, how, why of death is almost as unknowable as is God.

And that we must accept the “truth” of death, because we have no other option. It is not a resignation, it is an acknowledgement.

After reciting the bracha, we set theology aside, roll up our sleeves and get to the work of giving support and solace to the bereaved.