The Shiva | חברה קדישא חיפה

What do the Deceased's Relatives do during the Shiva?

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During the shiva, the mourners are surrounded with warmth, love, and care. They find relief from their grief by sharing it with the visitors. The visitors should talk about the deceased and show appreciation for his memory, but should also encourage the mourners to recover from their sorrow, and should emphasize the mourners' obligation to continue their lives as before..

Are there Special Customs during the Shiva?

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There is a custom, which is not binding under Jewish law, for the deceased's close family to visit the grave on the seventh day. The following psalms are recited beside the grave: Psalms 33, 16, 17, 72, 91, 104, and 130. Verses from Psalm 119 corresponding to the letters of the deceased's name are then recited (the verses appear in Psalm 119 in alphabetical order of the first letter in each verse)..

My Father is Sitting Shiva for his Mother (My Grandmother). Am I Permitted to Participate in a Friend's Joyous Event during the Shiva?

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The mourner's family members also customarily refrain from participating in joyous events during the shiva.

Questions and Answers About Laws Concerning Mourning