How to attend a shiva

Whether it’s your first time attending shiva, or the first time in a long time, here are some resources to help you feel prepared.

line drawing of a man or boy wearing a yarmulke about to open a door

Attending Shiva as a Non-Jewish Person
A user-friendly guide for those unfamiliar with shiva and Jewish custom.

A Jewish Guide to Helping Your Friend in Mourning
Watch a short video made by BimBam (helpful for all ages).

Shiva Traditions Explainer
Learn about the meaning of sitting shiva and the traditions for Jewish mourning rituals.

End-of-Life Rituals Glossary
Download or print this helpful list of definitions to familiarize yourself with common shiva terms.