Chloe Adams
The Jewish custom of Shiva is observed after the burial of a loved one, during which mourners are visited at their homes. A Shiva candle is lit at the beginning of the Shiva week and is intended to burn for seven days, symbolising the soul of the deceased and the light of God’s presence. However, some people wonder if it is acceptable to put out the candle for safety reasons and relight it later.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 days |
| Halachic significance | Low |
| Safety concerns | Fire hazard |
| Extinguishing methods | Blowing out |
| Relighting | Acceptable |
| Purpose | Symbolizing the soul of the deceased and the light of God's presence |
| Timing | Immediately or upon returning from the cemetery |
| Placement | North wall |
| Number of candles | 2 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Shiva candle is a Jewish custom that symbolises the soul of the deceased and the light of God’s presence
- The candle is meant to burn for seven days, but it's okay to extinguish and relight it
- Shiva is a time for mourning, and visitors should bring food and comfort to those sitting Shiva
- Mirrors and reflective surfaces should be covered, and visitors should not knock or ring the doorbell
- There are no specific rituals for disposing of the candle jar, but some people repurpose it or use it for crafting
The Shiva candle is a Jewish custom that symbolises the soul of the deceased and the light of God’s presence
The Shiva candle is a Jewish custom that symbolises the soul of the deceased and the light of God's presence. The word "Shiva" means "seven" in Hebrew, and refers to a seven-day period of mourning by the immediate family of the deceased.
The Shiva candle is lit at the beginning of this period and is intended to burn for its duration. It is provided by the funeral home and lit by a member of the family upon entering the house after the burial. The candle symbolises both the soul of the deceased and the Shechinah, or the light of God's presence. This interpretation is supported by the quote from Proverbs 20:27, "The light of Adonai is the soul of man."
The Shiva period is a time for mourners to express their sorrow and find comfort in the presence of others. It is customary for mirrors and reflective surfaces to be covered during this time, as personal appearance is considered unimportant. Visitors are expected to bring food and offer condolences, and it is traditional for them to enter the house of mourning without knocking or ringing the doorbell.
While the Shiva candle is intended to burn for seven days, there is little halachic significance attached to it. It is acceptable to extinguish and relight the candle as necessary for safety or convenience. This flexibility ensures that the Shiva candle is a comforting tradition rather than a source of anxiety or harm.
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The candle is meant to burn for seven days, but it's okay to extinguish and relight it
The Shiva candle is a Jewish custom that holds symbolic significance. The candle is meant to burn for seven days, but it is okay to extinguish and relight it.
The Shiva candle is lit at the beginning of the Shiva week, which is a period of mourning in Judaism. The candle is meant to burn continuously for seven days, symbolising the soul of the deceased and the light of God's presence. It is provided by the funeral home and lit by a family member or a friend of the family.
However, it is understandable that concerns about safety and practicality may arise during this time. In such cases, it is perfectly acceptable to put out the candle and relight it later. This is a custom that is meant to bring comfort, not cause anxiety or harm. You can even blow out the candle if needed, and consider using an electric candle instead.
Some people may choose to keep the candle burning for longer than seven days, especially if the candle lasts longer than expected. This extended period can be a time of reflection and preparation before resuming daily life.
The Shiva candle holds symbolic meaning, but there is little halachic significance attached to it. Therefore, it is acceptable to extinguish and relight the candle as necessary, ensuring safety and peace of mind during the Shiva week.
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Shiva is a time for mourning, and visitors should bring food and comfort to those sitting Shiva
Shiva is a time for mourning, and visitors are expected to bring food and comfort to those sitting Shiva. The shiva candle is lit at the beginning of the Shiva period and is intended to burn for seven days, symbolising the soul of the deceased and the Shechinah, the light of God’s presence.
The Jewish value of nichum aveilim, or comforting the mourner, refers to the obligation to visit the house of mourning during Shiva. Visitors traditionally enter without knocking or ringing the doorbell, and wait for the mourner to speak first. A simple phrase, touch, or hug can mean a lot to the mourner. Shiva is a time to reminisce and remember the deceased.
Food is an important part of Shiva, with visitors bringing dishes that require no effort on the part of the mourner. Deli sandwiches, bagels, salads, fruit platters, and baked goods are common choices. Visitors may also bring hot comfort foods like soup, potato knishes, and pastry puffs. It is important to consider the dietary needs and restrictions of the mourners, such as kosher guidelines or allergies.
In addition to food, visitors can bring gifts such as kosher gift baskets or make donations to the deceased's favourite charity or a synagogue in their memory. Shiva condolence calls are typically brief, lasting around 30 minutes, with the primary goal of supporting and listening to the mourner.
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Mirrors and reflective surfaces should be covered, and visitors should not knock or ring the doorbell
Mirrors and reflective surfaces are covered during the Jewish mourning period of Shiva to help redirect the focus of mourners towards reflection and introspection, instead of vanity and personal appearance. This practice is believed to help mourners remember the values and virtues of the departed, fostering an atmosphere of remembrance and reverence. By blocking their reflection, mourners can easily connect with the departed soul, fostering a sense of closeness and continuity beyond the physical world.
Covering mirrors is also said to diminish the boundary between the physical and spiritual realms. According to the Talmud, a Jewish religious text, the shadim or soul can enter through reflective surfaces. This belief is not unique to Judaism, as similar views about mirrors as soul portals have persisted through the centuries, from ancient Rome to the present day.
During the Shiva period, mourners are encouraged to turn their attention inward, reflecting on their emotions and memories of the departed. Covering mirrors serves as a symbolic reminder of the need for privacy during this sensitive time, allowing mourners to process their emotions without distractions.
As for visitors, it is traditional not to knock or ring the doorbell when visiting a house of mourning during the Shiva period. Instead, visitors should simply enter the house quietly so as not to disturb the mourners.
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There are no specific rituals for disposing of the candle jar, but some people repurpose it or use it for crafting
There are many beliefs and practices associated with the Shiva candle, also known as the mourning, memorial, or remembrance candle. This candle is often lit during times of grief and mourning and is believed to provide comfort and support to those who are grieving. One common question that arises is whether the Shiva candle should be left to burn out on its own or if it is acceptable to blow it out.
While there may be varying opinions on this matter, the most important thing to consider is your own personal beliefs and those of the people around you. Some people believe that blowing out the candle is a way of showing respect and symbolizing the release of the soul. Others may view blowing out the candle as disrespectful and prefer to let it burn out naturally. If you are unsure, it is always respectful to ask the preferences of those who are grieving or to follow the traditions of the cultural or religious practices being observed.
Once a Shiva candle has burned out, there are no specific rituals or guidelines that must be followed for disposing of the candle jar. However, some people choose to repurpose the jar or use it for crafting, which can be a creative way to honor the memory of the deceased. For example, you might consider using the jar as a vessel for holding flowers or other decorative items, turning it into a memorial display. Some people might also choose to upcycle the jar by creating their own candles or using it for storage.
If you decide to repurpose the candle jar, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, ensure that the jar is thoroughly cleaned and any remaining wax is removed before using it for another purpose. You can try placing the jar in the freezer, which will make it easier to pop out any remaining wax. Then, use a butter knife or similar tool to gently scrape away any stubborn residue. Finally, wash the jar with warm, soapy water, and dry it thoroughly. This will ensure that your new candle is free of any old wax or debris.
Another option is to use the jar for crafting. For example, you could decorate the jar with paint, ribbons, or other craft supplies to create a personalized memorial keepsake. You might also incorporate the jar into a larger craft project, such as a memorial collage or a decorative display. This can be a creative and therapeutic way to process your grief while also honoring the memory of your loved one.
Ultimately, the most important thing to consider when disposing of or repurposing the Shiva candle jar is your own personal connection and comfort level. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and you can choose to honor and remember your loved one in a way that feels meaningful and authentic to you.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is okay to blow out a Shiva candle. The candle is a custom that Jews have adopted, and it is not meant to cause anxiety or harm.
Yes, you can use an electric candle instead of a traditional Shiva candle.
A Shiva candle should burn for seven days.
The Shiva candle is intended to symbolise both the soul of the deceased and the Shechinah, the light of God’s presence.
There are no specific traditions or rituals around disposing of the Shiva candle jar. Some people choose to repurpose the jar, while others may discard it.
