Understanding Shivah: A Guide to the Seven Days of Mourning in Judaism

Shivahs (also spelled Shiva) is a term used in Judaism to refer to the seven days of mourning that follow the burial of a close relative, typically a parent, child, or spouse. During this period, the mourner is expected to abstain from certain activities and observe certain customs and practices in order to express their grief and honor the memory of the deceased.
The word "shivah" comes from the Hebrew word for "seven," as the period of mourning lasts for seven days. The first three days of shivah are considered the most intense period of mourning, during which the mourner is expected to stay at home and avoid social interactions. The remaining four days are less intense, but the mourner is still expected to refrain from certain activities and observe certain customs.
During the shivah period, the mourner is expected to:
* Refrain from work or other responsibilities
* Avoid social interactions and public gatherings
* Sit low to the ground and cover their head with a tallit (prayer shawl) or other cloth
* Recite prayers and read from the Torah or other religious texts
* Receive visitors who come to pay their respects and offer condolences
* Refrain from grooming, bathing, or wearing fresh clothes
* Eat simple, plain foods and avoid meat and wine

The purpose of shivah is to allow the mourner to focus on their grief and process their emotions in a supportive and respectful environment. It is also an opportunity for the community to come together and offer support and comfort to the mourner.