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| Jeremiah Lamenting... (By Rembrandt) |
In some ways, there are as many shades of Judaism as there are Jews. Some may follow “the letter of the law” - while others may sing to the beat of a different drummer.
“Sitting shiva” therefore has many different versions. The word “shiva” derives from the Hebrew word for “seven” – since “shiva” was traditionally a “week-long period of grief and mourning for the seven first-degree relatives: father, mother, son, daughter, brother,
sister, spouse.” Many Orthodox Jews still adhere to this seven-day schedule, which technically begins on the day of the funeral. However, Reform Jews (and others) often vary the schedule – some adhering to a three-day period, others to a half-day period.
Wikipedia reports on the many customs and mandates concerning the shiva period. These include particular restrictions on bathing and showering, on types of shoes, on marital relations, on Torah study, on laundering clothing, on conversational topics, on cooking, on leaving the home, on choice of chairs, on choice of clothing, on working, on shaving, and on the use of mirrors.
Breakingnews.ie reports that Amy Winehouse’s family has already “begun the first official phase of mourning – the sitting shiva – for her.” It seems that – at least in “the spirit of the law” – Amy’s worldwide fans are being included in this process. Chron.com reports that “Winehouse’s devastated parents visited mourners outside her north London home to thank them for their support.”
The ever-widening “shiva circle” now includes tweets such as this one from Reba McEntire: Amy Winehouse found dead. So sad. Prayers go out for her family. This other one from Ricky Martin echoes both the sadness and the solace: i just found out. I feel pain. I feel anger. Rest beautiful girl rest. You are free! #RIPAMY
Resources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva_(Judaism)
http://www.breakingnews.ie/archives/2011/0725/entertainment/mitch-wont-rest-until-he-knows-cause-of-amys-death-514127.html
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7668916.html
http://www.billboard.com/news/amy-winehouse-stars-mourn-with-songs-statements-1005291972.story#/column/tweets-of-the-week/amy-winehouse-mourned-by-celebs-on-twitter-1005290772.story
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Lamentations
Copyright July 26, 2011 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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