Rabbi Earl A. Grollman, a prolific writer on grief who became widely known for ministering to those mourning the death of loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, and other times of loss, died Oct. 15 at his home in Belmont, MA. He was 96.

He appeared on many television programs, and he ministered to people of all faiths, encouraging frank conversations about a difficult topic.

Rabbi Grollman was the spiritual leader of Beth El Temple Center in Belmont, MA. He retired to focus on counseling and writing, producing more than two dozen books about death and grieving. “Obsessing about death can lead to paralysis, while ignoring it can squander opportunity,” he told The New York Times in 1994. “The important thing about death is the importance of life. Do what you have to do now. Live today meaningfully.”