Another Jewish tradition for mourning that is still very much being practiced today is “sitting shiva.”1 You sit shiva for all your first-degree family members: spouses, children, parents, and siblings. For seven days immediately following the burial of the deceased, family and friends come to the home of those grieving and sit shiva. They bring food and comfort and conversation and memories. Shiva allows space for those grieving to discuss their sorrow, hit pause on the normal rigors of life, be provided for and attended to by friends and family.
