"Loving Leah" began as a play by P'nenah Goldstein and was brought to Hallmark by Ricki Lake, who also appears in a minor role in the film.
After the funeral, Leah and Jake both have ripped clothes on their right shoulder.
The tearing of one's clothes is a common practice in Judaism when someone has passed away. It's a sign of mourning and part of a whole practice of rituals a family member, spouse or parent observes for any where from 30 days to 11 months after the person has died.
Jacob, as mentioned in the Old Testament, was one of the most important patriarchs of the tribes of Israel. He was the youngest son of Isaac and Rebecca and the twin brother of Esau, as well as the husband of both Leah and Rachel. The 12 tribes of Israel evolved from his 12 sons.
To prepare for her role, lead actress Lauren Ambrose spent time with women of the close-knit Hasidic community.
The film follows the Jewish traditions quite faithfully, but there's no mention of Kaddish - a prayer in affirming God in honor of the dead.