Purpose Of Jewish Mourning

By Author: Sumauli Mukherjee
Total Articles: 17
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Sitting Shiva is a practice among the Jewish community, owing to the loss of a close family member. As per the Jewish mourning custom, shiva is observed for a week to pay tribute to the departed soul. Such a ritual is carried out immediately after the completion of Jewish funeral, which is regarded as the first day of Shiva.
• “Shiva” is a Hebrew term which means seven. On these seven days, the mourners have to undergo certain do’s and don’ts. If Shabbat falls within the week of Sitting Shiva, this day is also counted and the mourners often read Torah but abstain themselves from festive celebrations.
• As per the rule, they are not allowed to cook anything in their house during the Shiva. Hence, their relatives or friends bring Shiva platter for them as the mourners are not allowed to prepare food on heat. All kind of daily as well as pleasurable activates are refrained during this period, which includes taking showers, wearing of jewelries or make ups. The male members do not shave and none of them are allowed to wear ...
... leather shoes.
• The Jewish death ritual circles only around the deceased, hence the mourners are not allowed to talk about the death of any other members. The purpose of Sitting Shiva is to pay respect and honor and to feel sorry for the loss of the member.
• Death is a permanent loss, which cannot be restored and at this moment of bereavement it is always better to get support from all the closest as well as distant family members and friends. Therefore it is best to let everyone know about your loss so that they can also come and give their condolences and share some of their best memories with the deceased. The more time one spend with the mourners the better they feel and by no means should they be left alone at such an hour of sorrow.
• The mourners are allowed to go out of their house only when there is an emergency. But traveling for entertainment is refrained. It is also better to avoid any official work during the Jewish mourning period, as sitting shiva is considered to be a complete private moment with ones own family.

The purpose of sitting shiva is to limit the distraction from day to day life. Jews believe that this elevates the soul of the departed. Mourners stay close to their family and follow the convention. In every way, the prime motive is to repent for the irreplaceable loss.