Is it permissible to sit Shiva for an uncle who passed away
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Question
Hello, Today my uncle passed away. My family is completely secular and does not believe or observe commandments. I have become stronger in recent years, thank God, and it is very important for me to sit Shiva and pray for the elevation of my uncle's soul. Is it permissible to sit Shiva as a nephew? Is there anything special I need to know?
Answer
Hello and blessings
I appreciate your good intention to benefit your uncle's soul.
The seven days of mourning are only for close relatives of the first degree. Therefore, you cannot sit Shiva for your uncle.
However, you can benefit his soul by studying Torah [especially Mishnah, which is very beneficial for the souls of the departed], and by reciting Kaddish for the elevation of his soul.