End of Shiva

It was noted above that just as at the commencement of shiva, the tradition considers "a portion of the day as a full day," so at its conclusion the shiva terminates in the morning, although it is only a small portion of the seventh day.

Thus, if interment took place on Tuesday before dark, shiva ends on Monday morning. The mourner must wait, however, until after the morning service. He then receives consolation and arises.

If interment took place on Sunday, the shiva technically should end on the Sabbath morning. So, indeed, the private observances of mourning terminate on the Sabbath morning after services. Thus, too, the mourner should not accept a Torah honor until the late afternoon Sabbath service. However, the public observances of shiva end on Friday, prior to the onset of the Sabbath. For details as to exactly when it ends see the section of "The Sabbath During Shiva and Sheloshim," above.

Many follow the custom of having all mourners walk together, for a short distance. This symbolizes the return to the society from which the avel has withdrawn.