Beth Tikvah Congregation
847-885-4545
300 Hillcrest Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
www.beth-tikvah.org
Shiva Procedures by the Caring Committee Family will be contacted by the Caring Committee Chair to offer condolences. She will ask who they would like to be their Shiva Coordinator. This person will be the liaison between the family. Friends will contact liaison to offer help and donation towards Meal of Condolence and other items. Shiva coordinator responsibilities 1. Speak to family about what will be needed. Make sure supplies are at the house before the funeral. Let the family know that people can contact them. 2. Arrange for help at the Shiva home. Begin with friends. It is a mitzvah for friends to help at this time. If necessary, the Caring Committee may be able to assist when possible. 3. During other nights of shiva, help should arrive ½ hour before Shiva begins and plan to stay ½ hour after Shiva ends. Shifts can be coordinated by the Coordinator. It is better to have 23 people per shift. The Coordinator should let the family know who is helping. Things to have available at the house (These can be purchased by the Shiva Coordinator or the family may already have them.) ● Plates ● Silverware ● Cupsboth hot & cold ● Paper towels ● Large garbage bags (or whatever will fit their garbage can) ● Baggies ● Saran Wrap or Aluminum Foil ● Large coffee pot ● Water ● Other drinks if family wishes (Lately, pop has not been purchased) Usually water, tea, and coffee. ● Plastic pitcher, paper towels, small garbage can, and TV table to be placed outside the home. Before people enter the home after the cemetery, they wash their hands. ● Notebook and pen. Friends will write who brought things to the Shiva.
Beth Tikvah Congregation
847-885-4545
300 Hillcrest Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
www.beth-tikvah.org
Shiva Procedures Continued 4. Discuss with family where things are located. Usually, the family will put out serving pieces and put table cloths on tables themselves. However, sometimes the Shiva Coordinator will purchase plastic tablecloths. 5. Talk with family about how many they expect after the funeral (family, close friends). Discuss what kind of trays to order (meat, fish, both). Are there any allergies? When ordering, make sure meat and cheese are not on the same tray. Some order from Original Bagel & Bialy (8478080100) or Continental Restaurant (8474594095). Other families have ordered from Jewel or Mariano's. There is no “right or wrong” where ordering. Depending on timing, food should arrive at the house one hour before family is expected back from cemetery. 6. Coordinate who is donating the Meal of Condolence. Write a card for the family giving them all of the names. Before family returns 1. Arrange paper goods 2. Put out food and drinks 3. Put water, paper towels, and garbage can outside the home Things to know ● The Caring Committee, when possible, can assist. The Coordinator can contact the Chairs. ● The Caring Committee does not pay for any food or paper goods. There is a Caring Committee box located in the Storage Closet by the Chaveyron. That box includes some “extras” left over from previous shivas. Those items can be taken. Please let the Caring Committee Chairs know what items are taken. ● The Caring Committee has a 30cup coffee pot. Gayle Kopin has it. Contact her at 8476510088 if needed.
