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Shloshim: The 30 Days of Mourning After Shiva

Shloshim is the 30-day mourning period that follows burial. Learn what practices are observed, what changes after shiva ends, and how to continue supporting a family.

What Is Shloshim?

Shloshim (שְׁלֹשִׁים), meaning "thirty" in Hebrew, refers to the thirty-day mourning period that begins at burial and includes the seven days of shiva. While shiva is the most intense period of mourning, shloshim represents a gradual return to daily life while still observing certain restrictions.

What Changes After Shiva

When shiva ends, mourners leave the house and begin re-engaging with the world. However, many restrictions remain during shloshim:

  • No haircuts or shaving — This is one of the most visible markers of shloshim
  • No attendance at festive events — Weddings, concerts, and parties are avoided
  • No listening to live music — Recorded music restrictions vary by custom
  • Continued recitation of Kaddish — The mourner's prayer is said throughout shloshim and, for a parent, for eleven months

    • Kaddish During Shloshim

    If the deceased is a parent, Kaddish is recited for eleven months from the date of passing. For other relatives, Kaddish is typically said for thirty days. To say Kaddish, a minyan (quorum of ten Jewish adults) is required — which is why many families ask the community to help ensure a minyan at the shiva house and beyond.

    The Mishna Learning Connection

    Many communities organize a Mishnayos (chapters of Mishna) learning campaign during the shloshim period. The Hebrew word "neshamah" (soul) shares the same letters as the word "mishnah" — making this learning a particularly meaningful tribute.

    A TheShivaPage page makes it easy for the entire community to claim and complete Mishnayos chapters within the shloshim timeframe.

    How to Support a Family During Shloshim

    After shiva ends, the community's attention often moves on — but the family's grief has not. Some meaningful ways to support during shloshim:

  • Check in regularly — A text or call goes a long way
  • Invite them for Shabbat meals
  • Help with practical tasks — Grocery shopping, childcare, errands
  • Ensure they have a minyan for Kaddish — This is a significant chesed
  • Continue the Mishnayos learning if it was started during shiva

    • When Shloshim Ends

    For most mourning relationships (child, sibling, spouse), shloshim marks the end of the formal mourning period. For parents, a full year of certain restrictions continues. The yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) is observed annually with special prayers and charitable giving.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Shloshim?

    Shloshim is the thirty-day Jewish mourning period beginning at burial. It includes the seven days of shiva and extends for another 23 days. During this time, mourners observe certain restrictions while gradually returning to normal life.

    What can't you do during Shloshim?

    During Shloshim, mourners traditionally avoid haircuts, shaving, attending festive events, and listening to live music. Kaddish continues to be recited at daily prayer services.

    How long do you say Kaddish for a parent?

    For a parent, Kaddish is traditionally recited for eleven months from the date of passing. For other relatives, it is typically said for thirty days.

    When does Shloshim end?

    Shloshim ends thirty days after burial. For most family relationships, this marks the end of the formal mourning period. For parents, certain practices continue for a full year.

    What is the significance of Mishna learning during Shloshim?

    The Hebrew letters of "neshamah" (soul) and "mishnah" are identical, making Mishnayos learning a particularly fitting tribute. Many families organize a group learning campaign to complete the entire Mishna during the Shloshim period.

    Coordinating a Shiva?

    TheShivaPage helps families and communities coordinate everything in one place — for free.

    Create a Shiva Page →

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