Shivah when there are no mourners

Hi,

When someone dies and does not leave mourners behind, people should come sit in the place where that person lived, through the shivah, but that is not the general practice.

(Code of Jewish Law Yoreh Deah 376:3)

Have a good day,
Mordechai

Telling a mourner, "Please sit"

Hi,

In general, one who comes to visit someone may tell the visitee to sit, if the visitee rises to honor him. However, one may not tell a mourner to sit down, for that would send a subtle message, "Sit/remain in your mourning."

(Code of Jewish Law Yoreh Deah 376:2)

Have a good day,
Mordechai

When to leave a shivah house

Hi,

Once a mourner nods his head, indicating a desire for people to leave, they must leave.

(Code of Jewish Law Yoreh Deah 376:2)

Have a good day,
Mordechai

Speaking in a house of mourning

Hi,

Those who come to console the mourner may not begin to speak until the mourner starts speaking.

(Code of Jewish Law Yoreh Deah 376:1)

Have a good day,
Mordechai