What Is Shiva Judaism?
Shiva Judaism is a Jewish practice of mourning and honoring the deceased. It is the traditional seven-day period of mourning and remembrance in Judaism following the death of a close relative. It is believed that the soul of the deceased is in a state of restless wandering until proper burial and mourning takes place. In observance of shiva, relatives, friends and acquaintances gather to express their sympathies, offer meals and help in any manner they can.
During shiva, the deceased is usually remembered through family stories and jokes, which serves to honor the life of the deceased and bring comfort to those left behind. Prayer books, religious texts, spiritual songs and stories are used to honor and remember the deceased. Through such activities, the community can express their grief and support those going through the mourning process.
Jewish law dictates that shiva mourning occur until the deceased has been laid to rest. The first three days are dedicated to mourning for the immediate family and these take place in the deceased’s home. During this time, no visitors are allowed to enter the house. This period provides an opportunity for family and close friends to mourn in private and be near the deceased.
On the fourth day, the mourners can finally leave the house. On the fifth day of shiva, the family may leave the home to visit other residences or places of worship. On the seventh or last day of shiva, known as Shabbat ha-Gadol (the great Sabbath), the family visits a house of worship. As the mourners rejoin the greater community, they receive more support and care.
In addition to the period of shiva, a second period of mourning, known as sheloshim, is observed by the family up to thirty days after the burial of the deceased. During this period, visitors are allowed into the home and the mourner can attend family gatherings. Prayer services and special memorial events are also held during this time. The period of sheloshim is gradually shortened year by year, until the family has moved through the complete mourning process.
Reactions To Shiva Judaism
Shiva Judaism has been met with both positive and negative reactions. On the one hand, it offers a much-needed period of mourning for those dealing with the loss of a loved one. It allows them to be near the deceased, as well as giving them an opportunity to connect with family, friends and their community. Furthermore, the structure of the seven-day period allows bereaved families to process their grief in a gradual and meaningful way.
On the other hand, some people are critical of the way shiva Judaism is practiced. In particular, there is concern that the traditional mourning period can be restrictive, preventing the bereaved from expressing their emotions in a way that feels comfortable to them. Moreover, there is a question mark over the usefulness of specific rituals such as not entering the house, visiting a place of worship or abstaining from certain activities that may be seen as taboo.
The Spiritual Aspects Of Shiva Judaism
The spiritual aspects of shiva Judaism play an important role in the mourning process. During shiva, Jewish texts are studied and recited; memorial services, prayer and meditation are conducted; and special meals are served. Through such activities, the soul of the deceased is believed to be released from their mortal body and united with God. Additionally, the family of the deceased is comforted as they receive spiritual strength and solace.
Furthermore, it is said that all seven days of shiva are dedicated to different aspects of the mourning process. For example, the first day of shiva is dedicated to accepting the reality of the death and coming to terms with the loss, while the second and third day are devoted to remembering the deceased and reminiscing about their life. The final day of shiva is supposed to be a day of joy and celebration, reflecting the belief that the deceased is now in a better place.
Contemporary Shiva Judaism Practices
In recent years, there has been a shift in how some Jews practice shiva. There has been a greater emphasis on tailoring the mourning period to the needs of the individuals involved. For example, some have abandoned the traditional Jewish texts and instead have turned to alternative sources such as secular books, poems and music. Additionally, some families have chosen to take part in unique memorial services not prescribed in the traditional Jewish practice.
In addition, there has been an increase in the number of people who choose not to return home after the seventh day of shiva. This has been seen as a way of avoiding the difficult task of readjusting to life without the deceased. In recent years, many Jews have found comfort in travelling to special places where the bereaved can reflect and remember the deceased in their own time.
The Significance Of Shiva Judaism
Shiva Judaism is an important part of the Jewish faith and is seen as a way of honouring the deceased and expressing grief in a meaningful way. It is a time for families to come together to remember, reflect and support each other through the mourning process. Whilst traditional practices may be challenged in some cases, the significance of the seven days of shiva remains the same.
Impacts Of Shiva Judaism
Shiva Judaism has far-ranging impacts on those who observe it. Firstly, for the family of the deceased, it provides a framework of emotional, physical and spiritual support during a difficult time. It also provides an opportunity to remember the person in a positive light, which can help to assuage the pain of their passing. Additionally, the memorial services which take place during shiva can be beneficial for the bereaved, as they provide closure and an acceptance of the death.
For the wider Jewish community, shiva Judaism is a bonding experience that brings people together to support and care for one another. It also provides a sense of spiritual connectedness, as people of all ages come together to remember the deceased. Finally, the period of shiva serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the traditions of the faith and honoring the memory of the deceased.
Therapeutic Effects Of Shiva Judaism
Shiva Judaism can have a therapeutic effect on those observing it. In addition to the spiritual and communal benefits mentioned above, the period of shiva can have a healing impact on the individual. It is a time for the mourner to reflect on the life of their loved one, learning to cope with the grief in a healthy and meaningful way.
Furthermore, by connecting with those around them, the bereaved can find solace in the warm embrace of shared grief. It is thought that such experiences can help to bring comfort and peace to those who are suffering from the loss of a loved one. Additionally, many believe that shiva is a valuable part of the healing and mourning process and can help to bring closure and acceptance.
Modern Practices Of Shiva Judaism
Modern practices of shiva Judaism have become more personalized and individualized. This has been enabled through the use of online platforms, where those who observe shiva can reach out to the wider Jewish community. Through such outlets, Jews have redefined and reshaped their own personal experiences of shiva, such as creating virtual and physical spaces dedicated to memorializing the lives of the deceased.
Additionally, due to social distancing measures in recent times, shiva Judaism has also been adapted in order to adhere to safety protocols. This has resulted in services being broadcasted online, as well as family and friends gathering outdoors in order to honor and remember the deceased. Furthermore, physical distancing measures have necessitated larger gatherings to be held in public places, giving those observing shiva a wider support network.
The Benefits Of Shiva Judaism
Shiva Judaism is an ancient Jewish practice that has been passed down through generations. Done properly and tailored to the individual needs of the bereaved, it can provide comfort, peace and strength in times of sorrow. It is a period which allows the family of the deceased to gather together and also serves as an opportunity for the wider community to come together and offer their condolence.
Today, shiva Judaism is still practiced in many different forms, with bereaved families relying on more modern rituals and activities such as virtual memorials, travel, music and stories. This has enabled many to find comfort in the mourning process and make the difficult journey through grief a little easier. Through shiva Judaism, the memory of the deceased can be preserved and celebrated, resulting in a life-affirming experience of death and remembrance.
