How long is the mourning period known as Shivah in Jewish tradition?

In Jewish tradition, the mourning period known as Shivah lasts for seven days. This practice follows the burial of a close family member and is a time when mourners receive visitors, reflect on the deceased, and engage in prayer and remembrance. The observance of Shivah is rooted in Jewish customs and law, emphasizing community support and the healing process after a loss.

The seven-day period is significant as it allows mourners to express their grief while also surrounded by their community. This structured time helps individuals begin to process their emotions in a supportive environment. The observance is marked by specific rituals, such as a physical separation from the outside world, reciting specific prayers, and refraining from certain activities like work or entertainment.

Different mourning practices exist within Jewish tradition, but Shivah is particularly notable due to its communal and familial emphasis. Other time frames mentioned, such as three days, forty days, or fourteen days, do not define Shivah specifically; rather, they pertain to other mourning periods or customs within Judaism, but they do not align with the established seven-day period recognized for Shivah.