SHIVAH Meaning and
Definition
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Shivah, also spelled Shiva or Shiva, is a Hebrew term that refers to a period of mourning observed by Jewish mourners after the death of a close relative. Shivah is derived from the Hebrew word for seven, which alludes to the traditional length of this mourning period, typically lasting seven days. During this time, immediate family members of the deceased gather together and participate in specific mourning rituals and practices.
The purpose of the shivah is to provide an opportunity for mourners to grieve, remember, and honor the deceased, as well as to receive comfort and support from friends, relatives, and the community. The mourning family traditionally stays home, covering mirrors and refraining from participating in certain activities, as a sign of their bereavement. Close friends and acquaintances come to pay their respects and offer condolences, often bringing food or contributing to the funeral expenses.
Shivah is marked by a number of rituals and customs, including reciting specific prayers and psalms, studying religious texts, and engaging in introspection and reflection. Mourners often light a special memorial candle and refrain from wearing leather shoes or engaging in personal grooming routines. The shivah period concludes with a final gathering, known as a minyan, where mourners come together to pray and recite the Kaddish, a mourner's prayer.
Overall, shivah is a fundamental aspect of Jewish mourning practices that allows the bereaved and their community to support one another in coping with loss and grief.
Common Misspellings for SHIVAH
- ahivah
- zhivah
- xhivah
- dhivah
- ehivah
- whivah
- sgivah
- sbivah
- snivah
- sjivah
- suivah
- syivah
- shuvah
- shjvah
- shkvah
- shovah
- sh9vah
- sh8vah
- shivabh
- shi6ah
Etymology of SHIVAH
The word "shivah" is derived from the Hebrew term "שִׁבְעָה" (shiva). It comes from the root word "שֶׁבַע" (sheva), meaning "seven" in Hebrew. Shivah refers to the Jewish mourning practice known as "sitting shivah", which involves a seven-day period of mourning following the burial of a close family member.
Similar spelling words for SHIVAH
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