During the traditional practices of sitting shiva, mourners stay home and hold a service each evening. Family members gather in one location to share this shiva experience, typically the home of the person being honored or another family member's home.
Do you bring anything to sit shiva?
Visitors may bring shiva gifts, including baskets, food or refreshments to the mourners, and it is customary for family and friends to serve guests, as mourners are not allowed to serve.
What do you say to someone sitting shiva?
- “I am very sorry for your loss.” (Simple is sometimes the best)
- “May his memory be a blessing.”
- “We loved her and she will be missed.”
- “I am here for you if you need someone to listen.”
- “He was very important to me.”
- “I learned so much from her.”
What is forbidden during shiva?
Many traditional Shiva restrictions include no wearing of new clothes, no shaving for men, no washing clothes, no bathing.
How long do you sit shiva for a parent?
seven days
What do you send to a family sitting shiva?
Shiva baskets typically contain baked goods, dried fruit, nuts, fresh fruits and/or chocolates. The food items in a shiva basket are designed to provide nourishment and energy to those sitting shiva for the entire seven days. This is a traditional shiva gift and is appropriate to give to a Jewish family in mourning.