ddish as, “an expression of the mourner’s praise for God and acceptance of His will, even while the mourner finds himself in great pain, unable to rationalize his [or her] tragedy.”(50) In the house of the mourners, the mirrors are either covered or are “smoked” with soap (Greenberg 293). There are many proposed reasons for this practice. The most prominent idea is that during a period of mourning, one should not be concerned with how he or she looks (Kolatch 64). Another proposal suggests a primitive fear that since one’s reflection is a projection of the soul, the recently deceased may be able to snatch it up (Robinson, 190). Some mourners have covered mirrors because prayer services are held in the home during Shiva, and it is against Jewish law to pray in front of a mirror (Kolatch 64). A special Shiva candle is lit that will burn for the entire seven day period (Greenberg 293). The flame of the candle represents the soul and reaches upward relentlessly (Kolatch 65). It is believed that keeping the candle burning during the entire Shiva period will aid the journey of the soul toward heaven (Kolatch 65). The custom of burning the mourning candle originated in thirteenth-century Jewish literature (Kolatch 65).During Shiva, mourners are required to sit on low stools in accordance with ancient custom (Kolatch 64) Scholars believe this to be based on the Bible’s description of Job (Kolatch 64). While Job suffered his misfortunes, he sat with his friends on “the earth” (Kolatch 64). Jewish law today does not require mourners to sit on the ground, but as close to the earth as possible to symbolize that the mourner is aware that life has changed (Kolatch 64). Sitting close to the ground also helps mourners stay close to the earth where his or her loved one is buried (Kolatch 64).Jewish traditions place restrictions on hygiene and comfort for the mourners during Shiva. Shav...
