The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SITTING SHIVEH

IT IS A JEWISH TRADITION FOR THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASED
PERSON TO "SIT SHIVEH" AT THEIR HOME FOR NINE EVENINGS
AFTER THE BURIAL. THEY RECEIVE GUESTS, AND OFTEN SERVE
FOOD AND COFFEE. SINCE THE JEWS BURY THEIR DEAD BY THE
NEXT SUNRISE AFTER THE DEATH, MANY SAY THAT THIS IS A
REPLACEMENT OF OTHER CUSTOMS WHICH TAKE PLACE AT
FUNERAL HOMES, ETC.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: NOT GIVEN