When attending a shiva, it is customary to send a sympathy card offering words of comfort to the family in mourning. This card can be sent prior to visiting the shiva house, or with a gift, such as food.
It is customary to send dishes that do not require significant preparation for the mourners so as not to add extra work for them at a time of such sorrow. Popular dishes to send or bring to a shiva house include prepared foods such as casseroles, challah bread, cakes, and fresh fruit.
Other gifts such as flowers or simply a plant, candles that can be lit in memory of the deceased, or a kiddush cup are also appropriate.
Is it customary to bring a gift to shiva?
It is not customary to bring a gift to Shiva per se, but it is common to bring an offering of flowers and fruits to the local temple or to a home shrine. Flowers are offered to symbolize freshness and new growth, while fruits represent the divine sweetness of life.
Offerings of milk, honey, and incense can also be made to Shiva. If you are attending a puja ceremony, you may also want to bring something more symbolic such as a Shiva Mala garland, a Shiva Linga, or a picture of the deity.
It is also meaningful to bring donations of food, books, or clothing that will benefit less fortunate members of the community or hospital patients. A kind gesture and meaningful thoughts are equally important as material gifts.
Should I bring something to a shiva?
Yes, it is appropriate to bring something when attending a shiva. Generally, small tokens such as a bouquet of flowers, a friendly card, or food items such as pastries are welcome. However, you should check with the family beforehand if you’d like to bring something specific.
For example, some families may prefer not to have food deliveries. Additionally, when in doubt, ask what the family needs or if there is a shiva fund. If you are attending virtually, other options may be to send the family a sympathy card or a donation to their favorite charity.
Because shiva is considered a time of mourning and reflection, it is important to be considerate of the family’s needs.
What is not allowed during shiva?
During the shiva period, some practices and activities are not allowed. It is important for those observing the mourning period to be aware of these in order to fully understand and be respectful of the shiva tradition and rituals.
Some of the things that are not allowed during shiva are working, driving, going to the movies, makeup, wearing leather clothes, engaging in sexual activity, cutting hair, handing out invitations, conducting business, writing, being alone outside the home, listening to music, participating in activities considered to be pleasures and joyous occasions, and reciting the Kaddish prayer.
In addition, most types of entertainment are not allowed and visitors are expected to be dressed in subdued colors. Additionally, visitors are expected to avoid discussions of mundane topics and focus their conversations on topics inspired by the Torah.
Do you bring flowers to a shiva?
Yes, it is traditional to bring flowers (or any other type of plant, such as a small tree) to a shiva. The flowers are meant to honor the deceased and bring them peace in the afterlife. A shiva is a Jewish tradition of mourning in which the immediate family stays home together to receive visitors who offer them condolences.
Depending on the customs of the family, the visitors may leave flowers with the mourner or at the entrance door of the house. Flowers are a meaningful way for families to receive support and are often used to start conversations about the deceased.
What is a shiva gift?
Shiva gifts are gifts that are respectful, yet meaningful, and are traditionally given to families during the seven day grieving period following a Jewish funeral. The gift serves as a symbol of support and sympathy and is intended to show the family that they are not alone in their time of mourning.
The Jewish mourning period, known as “shiva,” is a sacred time of reflection, prayer, and remembrance.
During the shiva period, generous friends and family often give gifts to the grieving family. Gifts of food such as challah, wine, honey, and fruit are appropriate and are meant to honor and comfort the mourning family.
These items should be presented as a symbol of solidarity and support, but without fanfare or expectation of thanks or reciprocation. Other practical items that family can utilize during this hard time are also acceptable, such as household items and comforting items like throws or robes.
No matter what the gift, it should come from the heart. Gifts that embrace Jewish tradition, such as Jewish stars or candles, are also thoughtful and much appreciated. Ultimately, the best shiva gift is one that comes uncalculated and is humble yet sincere.
What can I give to Lord Shiva?
One of the best ways to show your devotion to Lord Shiva is by offering puja to Him. Puja is a Hindu ritual of worship in which various offerings are made to the Lord, including a plate of flowers, leaves, seaweed and sandalwood.
You can also offer fruits, incense and other forms of traditional offerings. Additionally, you may chant mantras, such as Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, Om Namah Shivaaya and Shri Rudraya Namaha, to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
You can also perform Tandava, the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva and the great destroyer, to honor Him. Additionally, you can make a Shivling, the symbolic representation of Lord Shiva, and offer prayers to Him.
Ultimately, no material offering can truly compare to the purity of your heart, mind and spirit. Therefore, whatever you offer to the Lord with pure devotion will certainly be accepted.
What is the proper etiquette for shiva?
Shiva is a Jewish mourning period that lasts seven days. During the shiva period, it is customary for mourners to accept condolences from friends and family in a dedicated room in their home, known as a “shiva house.
” It is important to follow the proper etiquette when visiting someone in shiva in order to provide emotional support and a shared sense of honor for the deceased.
The most important rule for shiva is to be respectful and mindful of the family’s feelings. It is important to dress in subdued colors and avoid wearing jewelry or any type of celebratory clothing. When entering the shiva house, it’s important to remember to make a condolence prayer or sharing of your experience with the deceased.
It is also considerate to bring a small gift such as a sympathy card or flowers. Guests should also be mindful of their words and avoid platitudes or offering advice or too many details about the death that could cause further distress to the bereaving family.
Another custom within shiva is to not sit in a chair or on a couch while in mourning, as this symbolizes a deep and lasting sorrow that cannot be fully recovered from. Instead, guests should be seated on the floor to show the intensity of the mourning and to respect the wishes of the bereaving family.
Shiva may also involve rituals of gathering and eating, such as the breaking of bread, cooking a large meal, or taking turns telling stories about the deceased. If a ritual involves eating, one can also offer limud (teaching) on relevant topics as a way of honoring the deceased as well.
When it is time to leave, it is customary to say a brief prayer thanking the mourning family for their hospitality, and expressing hope that their sorrow will soon turn to joy.
What does shiva symbolize?
Shiva is one of the major Hindu gods and is known by many names, including Mahadeva (Great God), Mahesha (Great Lord), and Bholenath (Lord of Innocence). He is considered a supreme god within Shaivism, one of the three most influential denominations in Hinduism.
Shiva is usually depicted as one of three entities, which are Shiva himself, his wife Parvati and their son Ganesha.
Shiva represents the concepts of transformation, transformation of the self, knowledge, and creative power via the sublimation of destructive emotions. He is a representation of the divine force, which sustains and destroys the universe.
He is described as being both destructive and constructive, giving rise to opposing forces in an eternal cycle of death and rebirth. In this way, Shiva symbolizes the supreme reality that transcends the duality of life and death, good and evil, order and chaos.
He is often associated with yoga, meditation and asceticism, as he is believed to have mastered the inner path to enlightenment. In tantric practices, Shiva is seen as the supreme being whose body contains all the gods, goddesses, and demons of the Hindu pantheon.
Shiva is also said to represent the creative and procreative “Seed†of eternity, transcending the cycle of birth and death. He is associated with the vibrant life force that creates both the cosmos and the individual self.
This force is believed to be in a constant state of transformation, whereby the individual experiences transformation and evolution through life. By understanding and connecting with Shiva, one discovers the true nature of the soul and the divine potential within.
What happens at a shiva?
A shiva is a traditional Jewish period of mourning which typically lasts for seven days. During a shiva, family and close friends of the deceased gather in a home to observe an intimate ceremony honoring the lived one.
Each day of the shiva, visitors express their condolences to the bereaved and share stories and memories of the deceased. During the shiva, mourners refrain from activities that are seen as frivolous or pleasurable, such as work and entertainment.
Visitors may bring food and drinks, as this can lighten the burden on the family. Prayers are sometimes offered during the shiva as guests recite chapters and verses from the Torah that are of comfort to the bereaved.
Attending a shiva can provide comfort to the bereaved, who may feel supported and reassured that their friends and family are present spiritually and emotionally.
Family and guests also may gift the bereaved with objects that remind of their loved one, such as photographs or personal items. At the end of the shiva, a special meal is served and visitors offer their best wishes for the future.
A shiva is a unique and meaningful way to honor the lived one and show support to the bereaved.
What does shiva protect us from?
Shiva is an important God in the Hindu religion and is often referred to as the protector. Shiva protects us from the negative energies and emotions that can prevent us from leading productive and happy lives.
Specifically, Shiva helps us to overcome fear, greed, attachment, pride, vanity, ignorance, and anger. These negative emotions can lead to physical and mental distress and can hinder our ability to make sound decisions and function optimally.
Shiva also protects us from negative forces such as ignorance and impurity. It is believed that by meditating on Shiva, we can cleanse our minds and hearts from these lingering negative energies. Additionally, Shiva is believed to help us to resist the forces of evil and temptation that arise from the material world.
With his divine grace and assistance, Shiva helps us to have wisdom and a pure soul. His blessings also help us to be free from suffering, physical afflictions, and negative influences.
What should you not wear to a shiva?
Visitors should not wear bright-colored clothing to a shiva. Instead, neutral colors such as black, navy blue, white, and grey are recommended. Bright colors may inadvertently draw attention away from the mourners and focus attention on the visitor which is inappropriate as the shiva is a time to mourn.
Additionally, visitors should dress conservatively and avoid wearing short skirts or shorts, sleeveless tops, or other revealing clothing. Out of respect for the mourning family, it is also important that visitors avoid strong fragrances such as perfume or cologne.
Likewise, refrain from wearing jewelry or accessories that draw attention such as loud fashion styles or statement pieces. The most important thing to keep in mind is to maintain a level of decorum and respect while at the shiva.
What do you do when you pay a shiva call?
When paying a shiva call, it is important to remember to express your sympathy and respect for the family of the deceased. A shiva call is a traditional way for friends and family to pay respect for a loved one who has recently died.
To pay a shiva call, it is customary to bring a food offering to the home of the deceased or their family. Additionally Shiva calls should be kept brief and respectful. It is customary to express condolences to the family and share any fond memories or stories of the person who has passed.
Shiva calls typically last approximately 30 minutes or less, to allow others their time to express their condolence as well. During this time, it is also appreciated to offer any support to the family or help them with any of their immediate needs.
Do you have to be invited to a shiva?
No, it is not necessary to be invited to a shiva; however, it is customary to call the family of the deceased and ask if you can come and offer your condolences. Shiva is a seven-day mourning period in Jewish tradition and many people who are not close friends or family of the deceased will come to offer their condolences and support the family.
It is better not to come unannounced, so it’s best to call ahead and confirm with the family if your presence is welcome before attending. Many synagogues, temples, and other religious organizations will also have information about the shiva period and who to contact.