Tell me more ×
Mi Yodeya is a question and answer site for those who base their lives on Jewish law and tradition and anyone interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 6 down vote favorite

I'd heard something about how some people, when getting up after the week of "sitting shiva" (mourning), take a walk around the outside of their house before going back to "normal" life. Has anyone heard of this practice? Does it have a source?

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 6 down vote accepted

Although this is indeed the custom in many communities [some Chassidic communities circle the house seven times], there is no written source for it. Some explain that it is meant to escort the soul of the deceased to its proper place (Nitei Gavriel 136:16). Others maintain that the purpose of this custom is to demonstrate that the mourner is now permitted to rejoin society (Aveilus BaHalachah 29:1).

share|improve this answer
1  
Ahron, welcome to mi.yodeya, and thanks for coming up with an informed and informative answer to this week-old question! Please consider clicking "register," above, to create your account. This will give you full access to mi.yodeya's features and will allow you to take full credit for your contributions. – Isaac Moses Mar 23 '10 at 16:18

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.