May friends bring food to the house of the mourning throughout shivah?
Yes. It is considered an act of great caring to free the family from everyday concerns during shivah. Is it a mitzvah to make visit someone while they are observing shiva? Yes. Nichum avelim is a Hebrew term meaning “comforting mourners,” and refers in part to the mitzvah of visiting the house of mourning during the shivah period. When may we begin to visit mourners? Before burial, grief is so strong as virtually to preclude consolation by even the most well-meaning friend. Accordingly, the appropriate time for a condolence call begins after interment during the shivah week. What is the purpose of a condolence call? Most mourners do not leave their homes during shivah. It is a time to grieve, to work through pain, and then to take a first step back toward life. This process, however, cannot be undertaken alone. The presence of a support system of friends and family is essential to healing. Your visit helps. Many people are reluctant to visit a house of mourning. They worry about what t
