A song I wrote after the death of my sister who we lost in just six weeks after a cancer diagnosis in 2020.

Original Artwork by Louisa Donnelly

Always Near(demo)

Always Near

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week.

This audio on Parshat Chukat from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2019.
Follow along with the audio here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/chukat/losing-miriam/

Read and download the written essay, and all translations.

For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/chukat/losing-miriam/

___________________

For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks.

The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks.

With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.


Losing Miriam (Rabbi Sacks on Chukat, Covenant & Conversation)

Free State of Jax, The				
Written by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Narrated by Maxwell Glick	

Jaxon Averett has had some terrifically bad luck. Because only the worst luck in the world can account for the fact that he has to live with his Uncle Clive Grimmitz, Aunt Helga, and their six kids in dead-end Walkonby, Kansas. Life with Jax's cousins isn't easy -- they're all bullies, and his aunt and uncle can't even remember his name.

Which is why, on the night before his twelfth birthday, Jax sneaks over to the neighboring property, floats a raft out into the middle of the hot springs lake, and drops anchor.

Jax is now the president and sole citizen of his own micronation, the Free State of Jax.

With the help of new friends, a local lawyer, and the property owner Owen O'Keefe, Jax's micronation begins to flourish. But the Grimmitzes will do anything to get him back and they are not above sabotage. On top of that, Jax is quickly embroiled in the mystery of Owen's missing brother -- and a lost windfall of the town's money.

Investigating puts everything Jax has built at risk, and when long-buried family secrets are unearthed, he must find the courage to do what's right, even if it means losing his only chance at freedom.

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen weaves an extraordinary mystery and a moving and hilariously zany story about family, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to do what's right, no matter the cost.


Print Edition Published by Scholastic Inc. Text Copyright 2025 by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Production Copyright 2025 by Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Formats Available:
Physical CD		979-8-2250-2690-5		$34.99
Digital Trade		979-8-2250-2687-5		$24.99
Digital Library		979-8-2250-2688-2		$74.99


The Free State of Jax - Audiobook Clip

'Together in Song'

Welcome to Belonging and Beyond: Exploring Belonging Through How We Live and Die, brought to you by Princess Alice Hospice with your hosts Rach Basak, Head of Community Involvement and Support and Sarah Dowd, Head of Inclusion.

In this series, we’ll have honest conversations about inclusion, belonging, and the barriers created in society for some. Together with guests from all walks of life, we’ll be unpacking big questions like: What does belonging look like? Who gets to belong? And how can we build communities where everyone feels seen and included?

We are excited to be here and hope it sparks reflection, connection, and maybe even change.
Today, we’re joined by Sarah, the Musical Director of our Hospice Community Choir, a unique group that brings together bereaved family members, carers, patients, staff, volunteers, and people from the local community. In this episode, we’ll talk about how singing in a group can support emotional well-being, build new connections, and help people feel part of something bigger: especially in times of grief or uncertainty. 

If you would like to share your thoughts, views or be part of Belonging and Beyond please do get in touch at sarahdowd@pah.org.uk  and rachaelbasak@pah.org.uk 

Hosted and produced by Rachael Basak and Sarah Dowd

Produced by Sarah Dowd 
Edited by Sarah Dowd and Elizabeth Lattimore

Belonging and Beyond - Together in Song

Guide to Falling off the Map, A			
Written by Zanni Arnot
Narrated by Kelly Pantaleoni and Benn Welford	

Outgoing Vinnie Smith has her NYC future planned with her best friend Lilah. Meanwhile, her childhood friend Roo Carpenter is barely getting by, having dropped out of high school to work a shady job and support his mom.

But when Vinnie's world starts falling apart - plagued by severe headaches, rejected as drama captain, and betrayed by Lilah - she decides to fix Roo's life instead. They hit the road across inland Australia in her mom's old Kombi, reliving their past adventures.

As they travel, Vinnie's unresolved grief over her mom resurfaces, her health deteriorates, and unexpected, intense feelings for Roo begin to threaten their friendship. Can they navigate their emotions and find a way forward, or will everything they've ever known come crashing down?

Print Edition Published by Scholastic Inc. Text Copyright 2025 by Zanni Arnot. Production Copyright 2025 by Scholastic Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Formats Available:
Digital Trade		979-8-2250-0181-0		$24.99
Digital Library		979-8-2250-0182-7		$74.99

A Guide To Falling Off The Map - Audiobook Clip

Easy listening country song using the words of the poem 'Annabel Lee' by Edgar Allan Poe

My Annabel Lee

Never Seen the Stars					
Written by Kate Korsh
Narrated by Aria Mia Loberti

Hattie Murphy thinks the universe hates her.

She has a secret: she has the same genetic eye disease as her father and is slowly going blind, just like he did. Nobody knows. Not her friends. Not her family. As if that weren't hard enough, Hattie's good friend Mason drowns unexpectedly, leaving their friend group shattered.

After Mason's death, Hattie isn't ready to let go. There are too many things left unsaid between them. But while it's hard for her to find her seat in the dim light of the church at Mason's funeral, Hattie finds that she can see something no one else can: Mason's ghost. And when he speaks, teasing her the way he always did, it's clear their chemistry hasn't changed. Sometimes, when Mason visits her, Hattie can pretend that everything is how it used to be.

But the longer Hattie keeps her secrets, the harder it is to deny the truth. Her eyesight is getting worse, and she's mourning not just Mason, but the life she thought she'd have. Hattie's sick of being told that the only way to heal is to move on . . . because how can she move on if it means losing Mason forever?

Print Edition Published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc. Text Copyright 2025 by Kate Korsh. Production Copyright 2025 by Schoalstic Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Formats Available:
Digital Trade		979-8-2250-0122-3		$24.99
Digital Library		979-8-2250-0123-0		$74.99

Never Seen The Stars - Audiobook Clip

This episode of VHHA’s Patients Come First podcast features Sarah Hale, a Hospice Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator with Ballad Health, for a conversation about her work and what inspires it, Ballad Health’s Camp Firefly initiative that helps children navigate grief and loss, and more. Send questions, comments, feedback, or guest suggestions to pcfpodcast@vhha.com or contact on X (Twitter) (twitter.com/VirginiaHHA) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/virginiahha/) using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

VHHA Patients Come First Podcast - Sarah Hale

Uhh, yeah this has been sitting on my files for a while. I actually lost the FLP file for it while I was cleaning my sdd so this is the latest version of it. By all means it's (mostly) complete but eternally stuck as an ogg file. decided to upload it because I actually do kind of like how it came out. Song obviously is inspired by the Bereavement remix of Asgore by the person who made Rivals of Aether's OST. As well as inspired by the heartache replacement in tory fox's (lexxie's) Underswap. Either way i'll try to make more songs again but creative motivation has been at an all time low since the beginning of summer. Who knows, maybe i'll get back into it at some point.

In His Hall | Aster's Underswap

a country ballad for anyone feeling the empty chair at the table. Honest about holiday grief and gratefulness at the same time: giving thanks, while learning to breathe again—moment by moment. For fans of: reflective, lyric-forward country and Americana.
If it helps you, please ❤️ Like, ↻ Repost, and add it to a playlist.

Tryin to Breathe

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”

THESE RADIO PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY KIND DONATIONS OF SURE REALITY VISION PARTNERS. TO PARTNER WITH US VISIT, https://www.surereality.net/become-a-vision-partner/

This radio programme has been sponsored by:

CHRISTIAN APPAREL TN, faith-based top-quality tees, hoodies, sweatshirts and accessories.
https://christianappareltn.com/

Sheshela Shakan Network
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING...
https://www.sheshelashakan.org/
.................................................
A Sure Reality production
http://surereality.net

#GTWD 360 - God-tracking is turning your eyes upon Jesus

Join the DSP as they sit and discuss - Work Place Phases (11:50), Bad Bereavement (23:55), Old School Nicknames (48:33), Digital iD (58:05), Music Tributes (1:11:30), False Prophets (1:22:55), and much, much more …  

Host: Rhys - Twitter: @Raw_like_me - Instagram: Rawlikeme, Mark Brown - Twitter: @Mister2Drink - Instagram: Mister2Drink - Kaydia - Instagram: @kay.veronica.fennella - Twitter: @KSmall91

Websites

https://differentstrokespodcast.onpodium.com/
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3xgxN3WbPiUEPTMWxvopKV?si=fCpm_fQXRFCYRCQo8jZETg
https://www.tiktok.com/@differentsrokespod
https://markanthonyphotography.online/

EP: 242 - I’ve Been Sent To Destroy You! 😅

"If you’re facing a drastic scenario today, then turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."

THESE RADIO PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY KIND DONATIONS OF SURE REALITY VISION PARTNERS. TO PARTNER WITH US VISIT, https://www.surereality.net/become-a-vision-partner/

This radio programme has been sponsored by:

CHRISTIAN APPAREL TN, faith-based top-quality tees, hoodies, sweatshirts and accessories.
https://christianappareltn.com/

Sheshela Shakan Network
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING...
https://www.sheshelashakan.org/
.................................................
A Sure Reality production
http://surereality.net

#590 -  God-tracking is turning your eyes upon Jesus

"If you’re facing a dire scenario today, then turn your eyes upon Yeshua, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."

HESE RADIO PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY KIND DONATIONS OF SURE REALITY VISION PARTNERS. TO PARTNER WITH US VISIT, https://www.surereality.net/become-a-vision-partner/

THESE RADIO PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY KIND DONATIONS OF SURE REALITY VISION PARTNERS. TO PARTNER WITH US VISIT, https://www.surereality.net/become-a-vision-partner/

This radio programme has been sponsored by:

CHRISTIAN APPAREL TN, faith-based top-quality tees, hoodies, sweatshirts and accessories.
https://christianappareltn.com/

Sheshela Shakan Network
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING...
https://www.sheshelashakan.org/
.................................................
A Sure Reality production
http://surereality.net

FTC#329 - Following the Cloud is turning your upon Yeshua

The holidays can be joyful—but also deeply painful for those grieving the loss of a loved one. In this heartfelt episode, Erin Youngblood of Comfort Keepers talks with Terry and Rose Stout from Hawka Support Services about how to navigate grief, honor the person who’s gone, and still find connection during the season.

"I think that in the first place people fear the holidays, especially if it's their first time through missing someone. Support is being with someone without trying to take away their pain." – Rose Stout

Together, they explore how grief often intensifies during holidays, especially the first one after a loss. They discuss the difference between showing up with a plan and simply showing up with presence. With decades of experience in hospice, counseling, and spiritual support, the Stouts share real strategies for helping people feel seen and supported—not fixed.

You’ll learn how to honor someone’s memory through rituals, how to support grieving friends without unintentionally silencing them, and how to give yourself space to feel whatever arises—guilt, gratitude, joy, or sadness. Whether you’re grieving yourself or trying to support someone who is, this conversation is both grounding and uplifting.

Call (970) 515-7055 or visit https://ckdurango.com for more information.


Episode 37 - Navigating Grief and Celebrating Life During the Holidays

Barely Holding On is a heartfelt country ballad that blends raw honesty with timeless storytelling. With verses about walking through fire, carrying burdens, and whispering prayers into the night, this song captures the struggle of holding on to faith when life feels heavy

Driven by soulful vocals and a slow, country‑inspired arrangement, Barely Holding On speaks to anyone who’s faced hardship yet continues to search for strength. Its heartfelt chorus — “So hold me, Lord, when I can’t hold on” — delivers a powerful message of resilience and hope, making it a perfect fit for inspirational country playlists, worship gatherings, or quiet moments of reflection

Buy Here

Barely Holding On

Never Letting Go is a heartfelt song about grief, eternal love, and holding on to memories of someone in heaven. This emotional ballad blends tender lyrics with soulful music, making it perfect for playlists of songs about loss, remembrance, and love that never fades. A touching tribute for anyone seeking comfort through music that honors those we carry in our hearts forever

Never Letting Go

Providing free, high-quality compassionate care & support for patients, families & carers, living in a large part of Surrey, south west London and Middlesex.

Dudley Anderson was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. After graduating from Bible College in 1990, God opened the way for Dudley to branch out into Christian radio. As a musician and worship leader he developed a heart for Christian music, which became the main thrust of his radio work in South Africa. 

 In 1996 God called Dudley and his family to the United Kingdom where he now works as a radio programme producer and presenter. Dudley also writes a FREE weekly e-mail devotional called, GodTracker, available at surereality.net

Dudley Anderson is married to Karen-Leigh and has two adult children, Kerryn and Ryan.

E-mail Dudley at dudley@surereality.net

Curt Brickley is a Christian Country storyteller known for gritty honesty, small-town roots, and a sound he calls Gospel Grit — gospel from years serving as a pastor and missionary, and grit from his time in the United States Marine Corps.

His music speaks to people walking through grief, healing, and the long road back to hope. After the success of his debut album Backroad Believer, Brickley returns with Tastes Like Grace — a raw, faith-anchored collection of 12 songs about confession, worship, redemption, and the grace that finds you when you’re empty.

From viral TikTok moments (“Tryin’ to Breathe”) to heartfelt fan stories from around the world, Brickley’s music resonates with listeners who need something real.
If you’re looking for faith, truth, and country storytelling with heart — welcome to Gospel Grit.

Heya, Im Aster! I make music apparently lol. Pfp by: https://soundcloud.com/r3zzo/tracks

Follow the audio shiurim, lectures and speeches of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, global religious leader, philosopher, author of over 30 books and moral voice for our time. Rabbi Sacks served as Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth between September 1991 and September 2013. A full biography - together with an extensive online archive of Rabbi Sacks' work - is available at www.rabbisacks.org or you can follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @rabbisacks.

Welcome to the chaos — real stories, real talk, and zero filters. Join Kaydia, Raw Talk Rhys, Snipper 2 Drinkz, and the oddball Gabs as they dive headfirst into life’s wildest moments and most unfiltered topics. Expect dark humour, raw honesty, and banter that cuts deep — no sugarcoating, no pretending, just straight-up vibes and laugh-out-loud realness.

Creator of musical things to put in your ears. *WARNING In the case of waxy build-up, a cotton bud is suggested to help guide the musical things deep into the ear-holes. If no cotton buds are easily available, a light tap on the side of the head from a willing friend or eager partner over each ear should allow for a successful listening experience.

New tracks tagged #bereavement