Sitting Shiva Checklist
Shiva Planning Checklist There are many things to decide upon and keep track of. We have compiled this list to help you.
Time and Place
The Shiva House
Decide where, when, and what times you will sit shiva.
Clean the house before and after.
Note any special times that will be reserved for only close family, and those times that will be open to all visitors.
Set up tables and chairs, food and beverages. Consider having a sign-in book and pens for guests.
Planning and Assistance Identify people to help you with any planning item. For example: Coordinate with friends and family.
Put away any highly delicate or breakable items in the house,
Set up and prepare the shiva house.
The home should have ample supply of paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, and garbage bags.
Receive deliveries at the shiva house while the family is at the cemetery.
Consider parking arrangement for guests.
Coordinate meals for the family through shiva and the following weeks.
Alert the local police that there will be cars parked in observance during the days you hold shiva.
Food and Meals Those helping you to coordinate should consider: Food for the family and guests both during and after the shiva. Order from local providers or coordinate to have food cooked by friends.
Religious Traditions As you choose to observe them. Obtain and light candles for the shiva house upon the return from the cemetery.
Drinks, ice, and coffee during the shiva. Cover mirrors. Serving items for the food. (Trays, chaffing dishes, plates, napkins, cups, silverware) Consider providing slippers or non-leather shoes for mourners. Containers for leftover food. Prayer books and Yarmulkes for those that wish use them. Identify where to donate leftover food and who will take it there. Have low chairs, stools, or wooden boxes for the mourners to sit on.
Service Personnel Unless friends will be performing these duties, hire service personnel for:
Place a water pitcher, water collection bowl, and paper towels outside the front door for use upon return from the cemetery.
Clean the house before and after shiva. Set-up tables and chairs Serve and clean during the shiva.
Service and Clergy Coordinate with your temple, rabbi, or other chosen clergy to perform a service at the shiva house. If you will not have clergy leading the service, consider who will lead.
Personal Matters Notify your work of your loss and arrange schedule.
Consider if there is a need for a formal minyan at the service.
Cancel or reschedule any doctor or other important appointments for yourself and your children.
For more information, please visit the Support and Assistance section of our website: www.shiva.com
Time and Place
The Shiva House
Decide where, when, and what times you will sit shiva.
Clean the house before and after.
Note any special times that will be reserved for only close family, and those times that will be open to all visitors.
Set up tables and chairs, food and beverages. Consider having a sign-in book and pens for guests.
Planning and Assistance Identify people to help you with any planning item. For example: Coordinate with friends and family.
Put away any highly delicate or breakable items in the house,
Set up and prepare the shiva house.
The home should have ample supply of paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, and garbage bags.
Receive deliveries at the shiva house while the family is at the cemetery.
Consider parking arrangement for guests.
Coordinate meals for the family through shiva and the following weeks.
Alert the local police that there will be cars parked in observance during the days you hold shiva.
Food and Meals Those helping you to coordinate should consider: Food for the family and guests both during and after the shiva. Order from local providers or coordinate to have food cooked by friends.
Religious Traditions As you choose to observe them. Obtain and light candles for the shiva house upon the return from the cemetery.
Drinks, ice, and coffee during the shiva. Cover mirrors. Serving items for the food. (Trays, chaffing dishes, plates, napkins, cups, silverware) Consider providing slippers or non-leather shoes for mourners. Containers for leftover food. Prayer books and Yarmulkes for those that wish use them. Identify where to donate leftover food and who will take it there. Have low chairs, stools, or wooden boxes for the mourners to sit on.
Service Personnel Unless friends will be performing these duties, hire service personnel for:
Place a water pitcher, water collection bowl, and paper towels outside the front door for use upon return from the cemetery.
Clean the house before and after shiva. Set-up tables and chairs Serve and clean during the shiva.
Service and Clergy Coordinate with your temple, rabbi, or other chosen clergy to perform a service at the shiva house. If you will not have clergy leading the service, consider who will lead.
Personal Matters Notify your work of your loss and arrange schedule.
Consider if there is a need for a formal minyan at the service.
Cancel or reschedule any doctor or other important appointments for yourself and your children.
For more information, please visit the Support and Assistance section of our website: www.shiva.com
