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APPENDIX:
Sample List for Organizing a Shiva

Recruit support people

• For each of the bereaved, including children

• For close friends and neighbors who are strongly affected

• To make a memory book

The funeral

• Speak to the Burial society (Chevra Kadisha) regarding arrangements, time, and place.

• Notify family and friends about the death and let them know the time and place of the funeral.

• Arrange the religious aspects of the funeral.

• Arrange speakers at the funeral.

• Arrange transportation to the funeral for the family.

• Help the family get ready.

Logistics

• Make a schedule of visiting hours and prayers for the shiva.

• Have signs printed with the address of the shiva house and visiting times.

• Arrange low chairs for mourners.

• Arrange chairs for visitors.

• Buy a week-long yarhzeit candle (ner neshama).

Dealing with the phone

• Get important names and phone numbers from family members.

• Explain how to best relay messages (remember to place a notebook and pen by the phone).

• Arrange phone shifts.

Liaison for relatives

• Organize transportation for them (to and from the airport, etc.)

• Organize sleeping arrangements (some will be sitting shiva and some will not).

Liaison with the media

• Appoint one person to serve as liaison.

• Prepare a picture of the deceased for publication.

Food and household chores

• Appoint shifts of people to be at the shiva house at all times to oversee and manage meals and to keep the house tidy.

• Organize meals - post a list of who's bringing what and when.

• Appoint a person to serve food and drinks.

• Post a shopping list.

• Delegate someone to shop and clean.

• Arrange for cleaning and laundry.

• Arrange care for infants and small children.