shloshim

Shloshim is a Hebrew word meaning "thirty." In Jewish tradition, it refers to the initial thirty-day mourning period observed after the death of a close relative. This period begins immediately after the burial and is a time of heightened grief and observance. During shloshim, mourners refrain from certain activities and customs that are considered celebratory or represent a departure from the solemnity of mourning.

These restrictions typically include abstaining from attending parties or celebrations, listening to music, cutting hair, and shaving. The primary purpose of shloshim is to allow the bereaved to process their grief in a structured way, supported by community and tradition. While the intensity of mourning lessens after shloshim, it is still a significant part of the Jewish mourning process.

The thirty-day period is a step in the longer mourning process, which also includes the year-long observance for parents. The customs and specific observances can vary slightly among different Jewish communities and traditions, but the core concept of a thirty-day period of intensified mourning remains consistent. The end of shloshim marks a gradual return to normal life, though the memory and impact of the deceased continue to be honored.