The number “7″ has tremendous significance in Jewish thought. Our holiest day, Shabbat, occurs every seven days and symbolizes the seventh day of creation, the day on which God rested following the completion of the world. The Shmita year, a year of freedom and deep reflection, occurs every seven years. The Yovel year, which represents a time of complete redemption, takes place after seven cycles of seven years. The Omer period, a time for reflection and spiritual elevation, includes seven weeks. Shavuot occurs seven weeks after Passover.
And yet, only one custom in our Jewish heritage actually uses the Hebrew word for seven — Sheva — as part of its own description; and that custom is Shiva, the seven days of mourning following the passing of a loved one.
Now it may seem odd to write about something to do with mourning on a blog dedicated to Joyous Judaism, but the truth is many of the most inspiring stories I have ever heard — stories that have touched me deeply and taught me what joy is all about — I first heard in a house of mourning.
For that reason, I have decided to include a brief collection of eulogies and reflections on people who have passed away on this blog. The objective is not to mourn such people, but rather to learn from them, and be inspired by their lives. At the end of the year, I hope to collect these stories and publish a book appropriately titled 7. If you would like to contribute, be sure to get in touch.
To see posts for this project, click here.
great idea — i look forward to reading them.