Ask the director
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Question: I was told that I can’t sit shiva on Shabbat. Why is this?
L.G., Warwick
Dear L.G.,
Shiva is the week of deepest mourning after an immediate family member passes away. It is Jewish law that holidays (like Shabbat) and festivals (Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Shavuot, Sukkot and Yom Kippur) should be celebrated and filled with joy, so, regarding the Sabbath, the general rule is that public displays of mourning are forbidden (such as wearing the K’riah ribbon), while private displays of mourning are observed.
Questions are welcomed and encouraged. Please send questions to: ShalomChapel@aol.com or by mail to Ask the Director, c/o Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Ave., Cranston, R.I. 02920.
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