Trauer-Album — Rules for the mourning year

English translation

Rules for the year of mourning When a nearest relative dies—father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, husband or wife—the mourning rules apply. The first thirty days after burial are called shloshim. The first seven days have the special name shiva. Boys under thirteen and girls under twelve are exempt from observing the mourning rules. Before the coffin is closed, every mourner must make a tear one handbreadth long (keriah) in the coat or dress: after the death of a parent, on the left side of the garment; after the death of another relative, on the right. Keriah may be omitted on festivals and if the mourner is ill. On the intermediate festival days it is performed only after the death of a parent. The tear may be sewn up after shloshim. Shiva begins immediately after burial. During these first seven days the mourner (avel) is forbidden to sit on a chair, armchair, sofa or bench; to wear leather shoes except when leaving the room; to bathe; to have the hair or beard cut; to change linen or put on new clothes; to become engaged or married, or take part in such or other joyful celebrations; to visit the synagogue; to study Torah; or to conduct business. If great loss would result, some business may be done and important letters written. Poor people may return to their work after three days, and teachers may teach after that time. Women may perform necessary household work. One should remain in the room of death as much as possible, keep an oil lamp burning there (ner tamid), and hold services morning and evening. The mourner leads these if able. There is no mourning on the Sabbath, but the Sabbath counts among the seven days; the first day, the day of burial, and the seventh are each counted as full days. The rules of shiva are observed only until after the morning service on the seventh day. The arrival of a festival ends shiva. If burial took place on a festival or intermediate festival day, shiva begins only on the evening after the entire festival has ended.

Complete English translation of the legible text prepared for the Reichenbach Family Archive. Brackets identify text that is blank, damaged or not securely legible.