Judith Hauptman

The Jewish tradition explains how converts are to mourn, whether a wedding should be postponed and the kohen's delimited relationship to the dead.

Study in honor of dead; women reciting Kaddish; Kaddish integrating mourners into communities; and hiring someone to say Kaddish.

Mourners, friends, and relatives accompany the deceased to the grave and help with the burial.

Rites for mothers and fathers are more demanding than those for other relatives, even siblings, spouses and children.

Following shiva, the sheloshim period of less intensive mourning lasts until the 30th day after the funeral.

Though traditional sources on the laws of mourning are quite detailed and specific, an acquaintance with this legal literature reveals a number of overarching themes and principles.

Jewish law details which family relationships require traditional mourning practices.