(The Shivah, to better understand the custom) The initial portion of the formal mourning period is calld "Shivah" (Hebrew:"seven") and is essentially a period of approximately seven days from the day of the funeral, which is set aside for intensive mourning by the family. It is also the period which marks the beginnings of the mourners' gradual return to society. In reverence, I slip your ring upon my finger and raise my hand to the light. Scattered reflections, like your memories linger as I sit shivah for you this night. You left me silver and gold, crystal and tapestry. Material things cherished seem trite. I contemplate grander things given to me as I sit shivah for you this night. I reminisce just how much I was loved when you made me your daughter without birthright, and called me your friend, beloved, as I sit shivah for you this night. We were like Ruth and Naomi, bound in Truth, with prayers I recite; your people are now my legacy as I sit shivah for you this night. Tomorrow slipped into yesterday; the memorial candle flickered in twilight, life has met death with you passing away as I sit shivah for you this night. copyright Susan Fridkin (From Susan's Book "One Woman" available in all Barned and Noble bookstores)
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