03/06/2024
What happens during a Shiva?
Shiva, also spelled Shivah, is a traditional Jewish mourning period that typically lasts for seven days following the burial of a close relative, such as a parent, spouse, sibling, or child. During this time, mourners gather in the home of the deceased or another designated location to receive visitors and offer prayers. The word "shiva" literally means "seven" in Hebrew, referring to the seven days of mourning.
During the Shiva period, mourners may sit on low stools or the floor as a sign of mourning, and mirrors may be covered as a symbol of self-reflection and focus on the deceased. Friends, family, and members of the community come to offer condolences and support, often bringing food to provide sustenance for the mourners. It is customary for visitors to refrain from greeting the mourners with traditional greetings and instead to offer words of comfort and sympathy.
Prayers and readings from sacred texts, such as Psalms or the Book of Job, are often recited during shiva, and eulogies may be delivered to honor the memory of the deceased. The Shiva period serves as a time for communal grieving and remembrance, allowing mourners to share stories and memories of their loved ones while receiving support from those around them.
After the shiva period, there may be a special ceremony called a "Shloshim" on the thirtieth day after the burial, and additional mourning customs may continue for one year, known as "Avelut." These customs vary depending on individual and communal traditions within the Jewish community.