During this period the mourner is known as an onem. The most important duty of this time is arranging for the funeral and the burial of the dead. In recognition of this and of the mourner’s state of mind at this time, the onen is exempted from fulfilling other religious duties, such as reciting prayers of putting on tefillin, and is not called to the Torah in the synagogue. An onen should not indulge in luxuries or pleasures, or conduct business and professional activities. On Shabbat or on a Festival, an onen follows the appropriate public observances of the day, which include eating meat, drinking wine, and reciting benedictions.

While one may want to offer an onen assistance in making the funeral arrangements, it is not customary to visit the onen during this time.