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When first-degree relatives are informed of a death, they assume the status of onenim. This term refers to people whose entire being is consumed by grief. They must stop all other activities and focus their full attention on the deceased, arranging for the body to be properly cared for until the burial, and then taking care of the burial itself. For this reason, from the time of death until the end of the funeral, onenim are exempt from all positive mitzvot, such as reciting prayers and blessings and putting on tefillin. However, they are still required to avoid violating any prohibitions. For example, before they eat bread they must wash their hands ritually, as it is forbidden to eat bread with unwashed hands. At the same time, they do not recite the blessings on the handwashing and the bread. Onenim refrain from eating meat or drinking wine, as doing so makes people happy.
If relatives are notified about a death on Shabbat, they continue observing Shabbat as usual. They are only considered onenim once Shabbat is over.
