Simply offer a hug, a kiss, a handshake or an arm around the shoulder for comfort. Talk to Friends. It is likely that you will see others you know when paying a shiva call, and you should feel comfortable speaking to them as well. Consider the Length of Your Visit.
What are you not allowed to do 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 for shiva?
seven days
What can you not say at a shiva house?
Here are examples of things not to say: “How are you?” (They're not so good.) “I know how you feel.” (No you don't. Each person feels a unique loss.)
What do you bring to 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.
Do you bring a card to shiva?
Such organizations often send a card to the mourners acknowledging your gift so your contribution will not go unappreciated. If you cannot make a shiva call in person, it is also appropriate to send a card or write a letter because the most important gift that you can provide to a friend in grief is your presence.
What do you say at a shiva house?
It is customary to say to the mourners: Ha-Makom ye-nachem etchem be-toch she'ar avelay Tziyon vi-Yerushala'yim. May the Lord comfort you together with all mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”