Create Shivah
Where Do You Go From Here? Your Guide to Planning a Jewish Funeral and Shiva
Losing a loved one is overwhelming. This step-by-step guide walks you through arranging a Jewish funeral, contacting your rabbi, and organizing shiva with ease.
Learn
Educational articles about Shiva and Jewish mourning practices.
Planning
Shiva Minyan: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Organize One
What is a shiva minyan? Learn about the Jewish prayer quorum held at a shiva house, how to organize one, what happens during the service, and how to make sure mourners can recite Kaddish every day.
How to Coordinate the Shiva
Learn how to coordinate a shiva with your rabbi, synagogue, and funeral home. Practical tips for organizing a meaningful and seamless Jewish mourning gathering.
How to Plan a Shiva
Step-by-step guide to planning a shiva gathering — from notifying family and setting up the shiva house to coordinating meals, visitors, and minyan prayer services.
Visiting
Shiva Etiquette for Non-Jewish Visitors: A Complete Guide
Attending a shiva for the first time as a non-Jewish visitor? This complete guide covers what to expect, what to wear, what to bring, what to say, and how to be a meaningful source of comfort.
What Not to Say at a Shiva: Phrases to Avoid and What to Say Instead
Well-meaning words can sometimes cause more pain than comfort at a shiva. Learn which phrases to avoid, why they hurt, and what to say instead to truly support a grieving family.
What to Say at a Shiva: Words of Comfort That Actually Help
Not sure what to say at a shiva? This guide covers the most meaningful words of comfort, what phrases to avoid, and how to support a grieving Jewish family with confidence and care.
What to Bring to a Shiva
Not sure what to bring to a shiva? This guide covers traditional food items, practical gifts, sympathy cards, and what to avoid when visiting a Jewish shiva house.
Traditions
How Long Does Shiva Last? A Complete Guide to the Jewish Mourning Period
How long does shiva last? Learn about the traditional seven-day Jewish mourning period, when it starts and ends, how Shabbat and holidays affect shiva, and modern variations families observe today.
Understanding Shivah - A Guide for Mourners and Visitors
A complete guide to shivah for both mourners and visitors — covering Jewish mourning customs, proper etiquette, what to say, and how to offer meaningful support.
What Is Shiva?
What is shiva? Learn about the Jewish seven-day mourning tradition — its meaning, customs, who observes it, and how friends and family can offer support.