Halachic Community Obligations During Shiva

There are several halachic obligations the community has towards the family of a child who has passed away during the period of shiva, the seven-day intense mourning period after burial: Visiting the mourners and offering comfort and consolation is a great mitzvah. The Gemara (source 4) teaches that Hashem Himself consoles mourners, and we must follow His example and demonstrate lovingkindness by visiting and comforting the bereaved. This includes providing the first meal after the burial while the mourners sit on a low stool. Participating in prayer services during shiva to form a minyan (quorum of 10) for the mourners is also important. Though they are exempt from prayers during shiva, the presence of a minyan allows them to recite certain key prayers like Kaddish when they wish (source 81). The community should make an effort to ensure a minyan is available for the mourners. Finally, the community should offer practical assistance to the mourning family as needed, such as donations of food, childcare for other young children, or financial aid if the family is poor. Providing for their material needs during this difficult time is considered a great mitzvah (source 24).