Definition

A traditional seven-day mourning period observed in Jewish homes after the death of a loved one.

Example

During shivah, family and friends gather to support the bereaved and remember the deceased.

Conversation

I heard you attended a shivah last week.

Yeah, it was a very emotional time for everyone.

I can only imagine how hard it must be to go through a shivah like that.

It really puts things in perspective about family and loss.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'shivah' originates from Hebrew 'שִׁבְעָה' (shiv'ah), meaning seven. It refers to the seven-day mourning period observed in Judaism following the death of a close relative.

Memory Tip

Think of the number 'seven' in Hebrew, which helps you remember that 'shivah' is a seven-day mourning period.

Visually Confused Words