Shiva, literally meaning seven, refers to the seven intensive days of mourning following a funeral. Jewish tradition seeks to create an island around the mourner. She is relieved of all forms of work, all social engagements, the pleasures and comforts of life (such as bathing, shaving, laundering one’s clothes, and engaging in sex), and she is surrounded by community so that she need not be alone as she confronts her loss.
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Prayer for Lighting the Shiva Candle | Prayer
By Rabbi Arnold Stiebel
A prayer to be said before lighting the shiva candle
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Lighting the Memorial Candle | Prayer
By Jennifer Feldman
A prayer to be said upon returning from the cemetery and lighting a memorial candle
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