The process of tearing the garment is known as keriah.[15] The tearing is done while standing and is required to extend in length to a tefach (handbreadth),[16][17] or what is equivalent to about 9 centimetres (3.5 in). Upon tearing the clothing, the mourner recites a blessing which describes God as "the true Judge". This blessing reminds mourners to acknowledge that God has taken the life of a close relative, and is seen as the first step in the acceptance of grief.