For a month after the burial, mourners who have gone back to their work and family lives avoid many normal pleasures, like getting married or attending events at which there will be a festive meal, like a wedding or a baby naming. Some have the custom not to shave or cut their hair for that time. Not all Jews keep these mourning customs strictly, but they exist as a way to acknowledge that a person in the early stages of mourning often doesn't feel like being at a party or having a new haircut. Sometimes mourners mark the end of sheloshim by sponsoring a study session in the name of the person who has died. It's also a good time to give money to charity.
The Guide to Death and Mourning for Interfaith Families is also available as a downloadable PDF and Word document.
Send to Friend
Save To My Profile
