Sitting Shiva: The Traditional Seven-Day Jewish Mourning Period

“Sitting shiva” refers to the seven-day mourning period in Judaism, during which close relatives of the deceased person (parents, spouses, children, siblings) gather and stay in a home for a week, follow traditional customs and perform rituals that help with the grieving and healing process. Friends and relatives come to the home to offer condolences and provide food to the mourners. It’s common for participants to share memories, including humorous ones, about the departed loved one while sitting shiva. Shiva comes from the Hebrew word for “seven.”
 
Quote: “It is customary to light a large shiva candle, also called a ner daluk — burning light — which burns for seven days and nights. Candles are universal symbols of the divine spark that inhabits the body. In the words of the Bible, “The soul is the lamp of God.” The candle is placed in a prominent spot and lit without saying a bless­ing.” — My Jewish Learning
 
 Sources: Wikipedia, My Jewish Learning
 
To learn more about the rituals and customs involved in sitting shiva, read an article on MyJewishLearning.com, written by Anita Diamant. >>
 
Photo: talkdeath.com