What to Send on Shiva | Shiva Gifts

What is Shiva? In Judaism, the first period of structured mourning is shiva. The word "shiva" has different meanings across different cultures and in Hebrew it means "seven." Shiva, as it relates to Jewish mourning, is the seven-day mourning period for the immediate family of the deceased which consists of spouse, child, parent or sibling. What to send on Shiva? You can send food & condolence, sympathy baskets, Shiva Gifts

During the shiva, mourners are required to abstain from participating in some of the most basic functions of everyday life, including cooking and preparing meals. Emotional and physical support, most importantly nourishment is provided by the community.

The first meal occurs upon return from the cemetery, and is called the seudat havara'ah. The seudat havara’ah is considered a private meal to be shared among immediate family members, not a public event where condolences are offered. For the balance of the shiva, it is the community's responsibility to ensure that mourners receive sufficient food and proper nourishment.

What Is a Shiva Gift Basket?

In Judaism, a shiva basket is a customary condolence gift containing a variety of food items that is sent to the home of those sitting shiva following the loss of a loved one. These food items are generally intended to provide nourishment for those in mourning throughout the weeklong duration of the shiva, as mourners traditionally do not leave the shiva house . An alternative term for a shiva basket  commonly referred to in connection with sending a food item is a shiva tray or 'platter. In Judaism, following a death, it is customary and traditional to express sympathy and offer condolences by bringing or sending food and condolence baskets  to the family members of the deceased who are sitting shiva.  

Different types of food arrangement, a kosher gifts includes:
  baskets and sympathy gifts Baked goods  Dried fruit & Nuts  Assorted Chocolates Fresh Fruit  

 You can send your shiva gifts as the family are grateful to receive food and condolence items at any point during the seven-day mourning period.

Shiva baskets or other arrangements are generally sent to the home where the family is sitting shiva.

The location of a shiva is commonly announced at the funeral and may even be included within the obituary. Family, friends, synagogues, and places of employment may also circulate a bereavement notice containing the address and hours that the family is receiving visitors.

 Note: It is tradition for friends, neighbors and the broader community to supply and prepare the seudat havra’ah – or “first meal” – upon return to the shiva home, which is generally consumed following the funeral.

 To those who cannot attend the shiva may consider sending a shiva basket or other condolence item to the home.

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