shiva

When It’s OK To Say Nothing

At shiva, the mourner gets to decide whether or not to initiate conversation.

Sheloshim: The Bridge to a New Normal

The ritual of shiva is well known. Why do we mark 30 days of mourning, too?

Shiva: What You Need to Know

Questions and answers about traditions for the seven-day Jewish mourning period.

Timeline of Jewish Mourning

Key Jewish milestones after the loss of a loved one

Mourning a Non-Relative

How should one cope with the death of a friend, or the death of an ex-spouse?

Shiva and Work

Shiva usually means an entire week off work.

Ending Shiva

Getting up and walking around the block marks the end of a week of mourning.

A Psychological Interpretation of the Laws of Mourning

The actions required of mourners following the death of close relatives help them to confront the reality of the death, to work through feelings of ambivalence, and to express grief and anger.

Shiva Prohibitions Embody Depersonalization

The specific prohibitions on mourners during the shiva period reflect the mourner's sense of estrangement from the life force.

Meal of Consolation (Seudat Havra’ah)

The ritual meal after a Jewish funeral.