shiva

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

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

Key Jewish milestones after the loss of a loved one

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

Shiva usually means an entire week off work.

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

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

The ritual meal after a Jewish funeral.