Several readers suggested that an article be written in JDCC News on these customs and what readers need to be aware of. Judaism, just like other religions, does have many laws and customs regarding funerals and mourning. Naturally everyone who knew the deceased person is in various degrees of mourning depending on the relationship with the person who passed away. Clothing And Mourning These seven certain members of the family in mourning do not wear leather shoes, put on make up or use perfume, shave, take haircuts, or bathe, and no marital relationships take place. All mirrors in the house where the family is sitting Shiva are covered as mourners are not to be vain.
All mourners sit on low stools or the floor.
The word Shevah in Hebrew means seven, and the word Shiva is taken from that to mean seven days of mourning following the funeral. More on Shiva will be explained later in this article. The mourning period begins with the funeral. It is tradition for the burial to take place as soon as possible, even on the same day of the death, but no more than two nights after the death. Only under certain circumstances, the burial be delayed.