What food to bring to a shiva?

Suggested items for a Shiva basket are: baked goods and desserts, fresh fruit, dried fruit and nuts or chocolates. A Shiva platter usually contains cooked meats, fish and/or specialty salads. If the mourners keep a Kosher home, it is imperative to choose Kosher food to send.

What can I bring to Shiva besides food?

Kosher cookies, cakes, candies, nuts are all welcome at shiva as long as they are crowd pleasers and easy to serve. Jewish custom discourages sending flowers or gifts other than food when people are sitting Shiva. In fact, Shiva begins with seudat havra'ah, "the meal of consolation," prepared by family and neighbors.

What is the proper etiquette for Shiva?

The tradition suggests being silent, allowing the mourner to open the conversation. Simply offering a hug, a kiss, a handshake, an arm around the shoulder speaks volumes. If you do want to open a conversation, start with a simple “I'm so sorry” or “I don't know what to say.

What is not allowed during Shiva?

Many traditional Shiva restrictions include no wearing of new clothes, no shaving for men, no washing clothes, no bathing.

Can I bring wine to a Shiva?

And yes, celebrating a life well lived with wine seems appropriate. There may be a difference between bringing wine to Shiva where the recipients may view it differently, but having you set the stage for the meaning of wine for this occasion, seems appropriate and proper.

Why Do Jews Sit Shiva?

What color do you wear to a shiva?

In that vein, there is no requirement to wear black, nor do you need to worry if your outfit is a little too colorful. The key for dressing to go to a shiva is to be respectful of the family in mourning. And that can vary from family to family.

Do you bring flowers to a shiva?

For example, in many traditions, it is customary to send flowers to a funeral home or directly to immediate family members of the deceased. In the Jewish tradition, though, that is generally discouraged—it's extremely rare that flowers would be sent to either the funeral home or the shiva home.

Do guests bring food to shiva?

Food for the Shiva

A considerate means of bringing comfort to those in mourning is to prevent them from having to cook. You may bring a Shiva platter along with you on a visit. You can also send platters or a basket of food. Most of these provisions are intended for the mourners to ensure they are nourished.

Do you wear black at a shiva?

You don't have to wear black to a shiva house, but your attire should always be respectful. Keep your visit short—It's not how long you stay, but that you pay the visit.

Can you take food from a shiva house?

There is a prevalent custom not to remove anything from a shiva house; this includes even retrieving items that had previously been borrowed by the mourner. There are many variations of this practice. For example, some are lenient when it comes to food, while others rule stringently.

What do guests do at a shiva?

During shiva, the family gathers every day in a family home to mourn and pray. During this first week, family members usually don't go to work or participate in the routine of their normal lives. Guests are usually welcome to come to the home during this first week, and spend time with and pray with the family.

How can I impress shiva?

Meditate in front of the shrine to Lord Shiva as a form of worship. You can also chant prayers, mantras and texts from Shaivism to worship Lord Shiva. If you go to a temple to worship, the Hindu priest may lead you on a chant to Lord Shiva as part of the temple service.

Do you wear shoes at a shiva?

In some customs, the mourners refrain from wearing leather shoes. Some wear shoes of canvas or cloth. Others wear no shoes at all during shiva. Visitors may wear whatever footwear is appropriate, but should not wear non-leather shoes unless appropriate with the outfit worn.

What fruits do you offer Lord Shiva?

Ber is also among Shiva's favourite fruits and is offered to him on Maha Shivratri. Vishnu too is associated with the fruit. As Badrinath, he is the lord of the jujube tree, known as badri or badara in Sanskrit.

What is a shiva platter?

Shiva platter (or 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.

How long should you stay at a shiva call?

Shiva calls are short, usually twenty to thirty minutes in total. The purpose of a shiva call isn't to pay a social visit—it's to physically demonstrate that you're available for the mourner. Twenty to thirty minutes is usually enough to demonstrate this sentiment.

Do I need to bring something to shiva?

In many Orthodox communities, mourners usually aren't expected to bring food or gifts to the shiva. Close friends of the family or members of the community will organize food for mourners. If you're not certain what to do, check with the family or synagogue before making a shiva call.

Do you have to be invited to a shiva?

Mourners are welcome to express sadness and heartache. When you approach a home that's sitting shiva, you're invited to walk right in. As shiva is observed, the mourner's home is open to the community and everyone is welcome. Shiva is a time to meet the mourners, to share memories and stories about the deceased.

What does a woman wear to a shiva?

The dress code for a Shiva visit—The most important thing to remember about your dress—be respectful. It's better to err on the conservative side. Men should wear long pants and women are best advised to wear long skirts and long-sleeved shirts.

What not to say at a Shiva house?

A mourner is not greeted with “shalom” or “shalom Aleichem” because he is not at peace. Similarly, the mourner he should not greet others in this way. Not only that, not even visitors to the shiva house should greet one another in this fashion (Aruch HaShulchan YD 385:4).

Can you wear makeup to a shiva?

Appearance and Grooming: Mourners don't worry about their appearance or looks during this grieving period. Generally, mourners don't wear makeup or dress in specific clothing. Mourning members of the family refrain from haircutting during this period of mourning. Also, men don't shave during shiva.

Is there alcohol at shiva?

The offering that you make to the Lord is alcohol. Yes, am not kidding ! We bought along with flowers a bottle of vodka for Lord Shiva. In the hindu scriptures, Shiva is described to be someone who enjoys his meat and his alcohol.

Can I wear jeans to a shiva?

There really is no set church dress code, but in general, wearing denim should be avoided. Unless your church clearly states that jeans are OK, it's best to avoid wearing them for Sunday services. Depending on the church you attend, you may go to evening services or services that are held during the week.

What makes Shiva happy?

The nature of sandalwood is cold and it is believed that by doing so, life becomes peaceful and full of happiness. One should keep on chanting this mantra, Om mahashivay somay nam. After doing this, devotees should offer flowers and fruits to Lord Shiva and also should perform Shiva aarti.

What is Lord Shiva Favourite sweet?

According to legend, Lord Shiva loves malpua. You can make malpua and add a little cannabis powder to it. This will also enhance the taste of malpua. You can prepare thandai with milk, sugar and cannabis.