What is the source for shloshim?

Answer 1

"Shloshim" means "thirty" in Hebrew, and is the term for a 30-day period of mourning observed by Jews following the death of an immediate relative (parent, sibling, child or spouse). The first seven days (usually) of this period are called "Shiva" and the mourners do not leave their homes (other than on the Sabbath). During this period of time they do not work or study Torah; they simply sit on the floor or on a low stool and receive visitors who come to comfort them. For the remainder of the thirty-day period after Shiva is over, the mourners return to work or their regular activities, but refrain from taking haircuts or shaving, and refrain from listening to music, and from participating in weddings, parties and other happy occasions. For all relatives other than a parent, the formal mourning period mandated by Jewish law ends after the 30 days are up. For one's father or mother, however, the mourning continues for a full 12 months. During this period of time (caled "yud-bet chodesh" in Hebrew), the mourners primarily refrain from attending public celebrations like weddings. The above are general guidelines. As in all questions of Jewish law, actual practical questions should be referred to a qualified rabbi, as many factors can affect the actual ruling relevant in a particular case.