Shiva (Judaism)

The Schiv'a (Hebrew שבעה of שבע = " seven " ) in Judaism is the time of mourning in the first week immediately after the funeral of parents, spouses, siblings or a child (Gen 50,10 EU), the begins for the bereaved after the funeral.

The mourners stay for a week at home. Relatives, friends and acquaintances they have in their pain alone, but provide them with love, support and attention to, provide for their needs and comfort her. The Schiv'a begins with eating a chicken egg, which has been previously sprinkled with ashes. The ash is as a sign of mourning. It takes place each morning and evening instead of a service in the house of mourning. The mourners then recite the Kaddish. The Kaddish is the prayer of the " sanctification of God." This prayer has nothing to do with the death and is presented by the prayer leader during the service. During the period of mourning week extolling the worshipers of God and profess it.

The mourners should feel that they are not alone, which is why mourning visits are desired. So they bring families and friends food and drink. On the Sabbath the mourners take part in the worship. The soul light ( a small lamp ) burns in the house of mourning to commemorate the deceased person. The grave stone ( Mazewa ) is inaugurated in Israel on the thirtieth day, in other countries this is usually done only after one year.

When Schiv'a is not working seven days, you must not wear leather shoes and do not move. Man crouching on the ground or sitting on low chairs ( Schiwesitzen; see Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 380).