How To Do Just About Everything
By eHow Culture & Society Editor
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Jewish law requires that close relatives of a deceased person sit shiva for seven days and sets forth very detailed instructions for their conduct. Visitors to the house of mourning also are expected to observe certain guidelines for "nichum avelim," or comforting mourners.
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Comments
chabadrabbi said
on 3/13/2007 If you visit a religious family who is sitting shiva, you should not hug or shake hands, as stricter shiva observance forbids physical contact with the mourners.
Anonymous said
on 3/3/2006 The tradition is that the sweetness of the candy eases the bitterness of the loss.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Do not knock on the door or ring the bell, the door, traditionally, will be left unlocked.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Don't feel that you have to stay long. Short (30 Minute) visits allow you to express your condolences, while still giving the family some usually much needed time together.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 It is often appropriate to bring food when paying a shiva call. Make sure that whatever you bring is kosher, or that it's pareve (it includes neither meat nor dairy.)