‘My Dead Mom’ gives the nagging Jewish mother trope a haunting twist

The new Crave web series wants to show the diversity of grief.
In 'My Dead Mom', Lauren Collins (right) plays a woman still grieving the loss of her mother, Fern, who died three years ago. (Photo by Lauren Newman)

After Wendy Litner’s mother passed away, Litner was surprised that she still heard her voice—felt her presence, even, looking over her shoulder… often judging her. The feeling inspired Litner to write a new web series called My Dead Mom, released on Crave earlier this month.

The show gives a modern, distinctly feminist twist to the stereotype of a Jewish mother ceaselessly nagging her daughter. And, as Litner explains on the latest episode of Culturally Jewish, it’s less about saying goodbye than accepting the evolution of a relationship with those who’ve passed on.

Also in this episode, co-hosts Ilana and David discuss their own history of using art to process grief and trauma, and give their biweekly round-up of Jewish art events across the country.

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