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In Hebrew Shiv'ah (Sitting Shiva) means seven and Shiv'ah is a seven day period of mourning and grief for a first-degree relative. Right after the burial of the deceased, relatives assume the status of mourners (avel). For seven days Jewish family members gather together in one home and receive visitors. Traditionally, it is considered a religious act (mitzvah) to visit the mourners who usually make a tear in an outer garment that remains unmended during the week of mourning. The mirrors are often covered and the mourners sit on low stools on the floor to symbolize their grief. They do not return to work until the end of the mourning period. In many Jewish communities members of the Jewish burial society (the chevra kadisha) provide meals for the mourners and refreshments for visitors. If there are prayer services at the home where they are mourning, they are lead by the adult male mourners.
After the period of mourning
has been completed kaddish is recited for a month as part of the synagogue
services by the male mourners. According to Halacha, mourners (children,
parents, siblings, spouses) are required to commemorate the death of a relative
on the Hebrew calendar date of the relative's death, the Yahrzeit (Yohr Tzeit,
Time of Year).
Jewish marriage ceremonies are based on the ancient Judaic rights or rules for transfer of property. The man gives something of value or a ring to a woman. If she accepts the gift, she accepts the terms of the marriage and is betrothed (kiddushin or erusin). A ketubah (prenuptial agreement) is read publicly. The ketubah lays out the rights of the wife including monetary settlements upon the termination of marriage by either death or divorce. Witnesses must witness the signing of the ketubah and the ceremonies. The couple are joined in matrimony in the ceremony of Nissuin under a chuppah which symbolizes setting up a home together. The chuppah can be any sort of canopy on an outstretched tallit. The man gives the woman a ring. Today nontraditional Jewish women also give the man a ring. The ceremony concludes with the bride and groom drinking wine. The groom then steps on the wine glass to break it...Go Back
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