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APPENDIX 1:
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.