Shiva is the Hebrew word for ¨seven.¨ In Jewish tradition the number seven has always symbolized the natural order, such as seven days of creation, seven days of the week, and so forth. Thus, Shiva, is also, the natural order of the first stage of mourning, which lasts for seven consecutive days.

Shiva begins immediately after the completion of the burial. While that first day is not necessarily a 24 hour period, it is still counted as the first day. If the burial takes place during a Jewish holiday such as Passover, Succoth or Shavuoth, The Shiva will not begin until after it's conclusion.

The following seven relatives are required to ¨sit¨ shiva: father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter and spouse. These relatives are required to ¨sit¨ shiva when the following three conditions are met:

1. The deceased is at least 30 days old.
   
2. The mourning relative is at least 12 years old for a girl, or 13 for a boy.
   
3. The mourner was notified of the death within 30 days after it occurred. If any of these conditions is not met, one should consult the Rabbi.

1. If water is not available at the cemetery, place a pitcher or suitable container of water at the front door to wash your hands after the burial service. One of the reasons given for this custom is that by washing our hands we symbolically state that our hands are clean and we have no responsibility for the death of the deceased.
   
2. Mirrors are customarily covered or turned to the wall. Some give the reason for this custom as an attempt on our part to prevent the mourner from seeing his own sad countenance, thus adding to his grief. Another reason is to indicate our lack of concern with personal vanity.
   
3. Upon returning to the home from the cemetery the Shiva Candle is lit immediately although no prayer is recited. The candle will burn for seven days. It is meant to serve as a constant reminder of the departed soul.
   
4. The Meal of Consolation (Seudat Havra'ah), the mourner's first meal after the funeral, is usually provided by friends and neighbors. This gives them the opportunity to express in a practical form their solicitude and sympathy. The mourner is not to serve the meal but instead is to be served. The menu of this meal includes hard boiled eggs, the egg being regarded as a symbol of eternal renewal and life. Rolls or bread are eaten as they are a symbol of staple food. It is also customary to provide the mourners with cooked lentils, because they are round like the wheel and mourning is a revolving wheel that touches everyone. Salt is not placed on the table, because salt was used at sacrificial altars in ancient time.
   
5. The mourners sit on low stools to be close to the ground, because in ancient times they sat on the earth. The mourner should wear slippers, avoiding footwear made from leather. Mourners are never required to rise from their seats to greet a visitor.
   
6. Daily services for a male mourner should be arranged, if possible, in the house of mourning. Prayer books are available from the funeral home.
   
7. No live or recorded music should be heard in the house. The serving of food or beverage should not in any way tends to create a party atmosphere.
   
8. Mourners should wear the garment on which the Kriah, tearing of clothing, was made except on Shabbat. Mourners should refrain from any activity which might distract them from bereavement. Excessive distractions are viewed by Jewish tradition as a sign of disrespect for the deceased.
   
9. Strict observance of tradition provides that mourners are not permitted to wear new or freshly laundered clothing, to cut hair or nails, to shave or to wear cologne, perfume or cosmetics.
   
10. Upon conclusion of Shiva the mourner arises and walks outside and around the house to symbolize the return to his normal activity. Please consult with your rabbi on these or other matters which concern you.