Unfortunately, the time will come when we will lose a loved one, and for most of us this will be a very stressful time. There will be so many things to take care of and do. But now, thanks to Karen Burstein and Judy Mindel, one part of sitting shiva will be less stressful.

Karen and Judy have created and donated “shiva boxes.” They contain everything one might need for setting up a shiva house. There are paper goods, including plates, cups, forks, knives and spoons. There are coffee pots and coffee. There is a water pitcher and bowl to use when returning from the cemetery. The boxes contain much more, all organized to make it easy to find what you need. Anyone in our congregation may use these items; we only ask that you replace any supplies you use when you return the boxes. Our Ritual and Religious committee is currently putting together a booklet on common shiva rituals and observances for inclusion in the box. If at any time you have a need to set up a shiva house, just call the temple office.

Thank you, Karen and Judy, for this special mitzvah. These boxes were made in memory of Karen’s mother-in-law, Gert Burstein and Judy’s mother-in-law, Ruth Mindel.