An introduction (3) to the Laws of Mourning: Sheva Berachot & The Creation of the World
In the first two essays we saw three different surprising sources offered by the Yerushalmi for the source of the seven days of shiva: the inauguration of the Mishkan, Miriam’s tzara’at and the seven-day Holiday from the prophecy of Amos. Each of these teaches us an important lesson about the nature of mourning.
From the inauguration of the Mishkan we learn about the holiness of death. From Miriam’s tzara’at we see the importance of being separated from the community to allow the process of healing to begin. From the prophecy of Amos we are reminded that even joyous days can be turned into darkness during this time of people’s lives.
I would like to conclude these introductory essays with an even more radical text. There is a Midrash known as either Lekach Tov or Pesikta Zutarta1. …