Following the burial, the family will often sit shiva. Shiva, the Hebrew word for seven, refers to the first seven days of mourning including the day of the funeral. Those considered obligated to observe the mourning rituals are spouses, children, parents, or siblings of the deceased. Mourning customs are not observed on the Sabbath or religious holidays. When the funeral takes place prior to a Jewish holiday and the mourners have observed Shiva for at least one hour before the holiday begins, then the period of Shiva ends with the start of the holiday at sunset. 

A seven-day candle, provided to families by Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg should be lit upon returning from the cemetery. The Shiva candle is kept burning in the house during the entire seven days. 

People visit the Shiva house to fulfill the mitzvah (commandment) of comforting the mourners. It is traditional to hold services at a house of mourning. Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg can provide prayer books, yarmulkes, mourners chairs, and coat racks to be used for services.

The family will arrange Shiva service times with the Rabbi, which will be announced at the conclusion of the service. Your presence and participation is appreciated during Shiva services, but always remain mindful of the family's need for private time, i.e. meals.

The secondary period of mourning is called Sheloshim, which includes the first thirty days after the funeral. During the period of Sheloshim, mourners should avoid participating in any festivity or amusement. If the deceased is a parent, this period extends to a full year. Once the Shiva has ended, mourners resume normal social and professional duties. Activity restrictions depend on the preference of each mourner.