Shiva (שבעה) is the Jewish tradition of observing a seven-day period of mourning for close relatives following the burial of the deceased. While different communities have varying practices, historically this observance is reserved for parents, children, the spouse, and siblings of the deceased. During the shiva period, it is common for mourners to remain at home, wear a torn garment, cover all mirrors in the home, and receive friends and family, among other practices.
To learn more about Jewish death and mourning practices, see Shomer Collective. For a comprehensive reference on traditional mourning practices, see Maurice Lamm’s The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning.
