shiva
n. uncountablen. a seven-day period of deep sadness and memory in the Jewish faith after a close relative dies. During this time, family members stay at home and receive visitors who come to show support.
n. a period of seven days of formal mourning in Judaism, observed after the funeral of a first-degree relative. Typically involves staying at home and abstaining from work or celebrations while receiving condolences.
The family is sitting shiva for their grandfather this week.
Friends and neighbors brought food to the house while the family sat shiva for their late mother.
The tradition of sitting shiva provides a structured environment for the bereaved to process their grief within the supportive embrace of their community.
From Sanskrit शिव (śivá, “the auspicious one”).
Commonly used in the phrase 'to sit shiva'. Often capitalised in religious contexts.