Shiva Helpers & Professional Support

Shiva Helpers provides a service to prepare the Shiva home for the initial meal following the funeral and during the entire Shiva period.  Using our services allows the family and their friends to attend the funeral and provide much needed support and comfort to each other during this time.  The rituals and customs chosen by the family are prepared and observed according to their religious beliefs.  The services can be chosen by the family prior to the funeral which will alleviate the anxiety and stress associated with the preparation of the Shiva home.

Shiva Helpers provides a Personalized Service for each client to make it easier for the family to deal with their grief and loss:

1. We recognize that each family is different and each family has different desires in their time of grief.  After speaking with the family, we can personalize what their desires are and provide the service accordingly.  We will meet with the family personally or communicate through telephone or e-mail to determine their needs.
2. We understand that many family members may live out of state.  We can provide whatever needs they may have without their having to be here prior to the funeral.
3. The family may want just a one day service after the funeral.  The family may sit Shiva for 1 day or 7 days.  Shiva Helpers can provide the service according to the needs of the family members and their religious beliefs.
4. We will order the food platters and pick them up. We will also shop for additional food items, such as drinks, cakes, wine or liquor, and other food requested by the family.   It is up to the family to determine the number of people expected to return to the home after the funeral and that evening.
5. We will deliver the food to the Shiva home.
6. We will set up the food on tables.  We will provide all of the paper products necessary to serve the guests.  We will order and provide extra seating for the guests, if necessary.
7. We will provide the services necessary to observe the Shiva rituals, such as covering the mirrors, providing a pitcher of water and paper towels outside the home so the guests can wash prior to entering, providing low chairs or stools for the family to sit on, providing prayer books and yarmulkes, and any other services that the family desires.  We will coordinate with the funeral home and synagogue to obtain some of these items and have them available at the Shiva home.
8. We can provide a hostess service throughout the day to clean up after the guests and keep the home neat and clean.  At the end of the evening, our staff will be there to clean up, put the food away, and make preparations for the next day to suit the needs of our clients.

How Do We Charge for our Services:

1. As this service is personalized to individual needs, our services are based on an hourly fee.  One family may want just the set-up while others may want a complete package.  We try to accommodate the needs of our clients based on their budget and beliefs.
2. Pricing:  Our fee is a flat rate based on the number of friends and family expected to convey their condolences after the funeral and throughtout the Shiva period. The fee will cover the time necessary to shop, pick up the food at the caterers, set up the food at the Shiva home, prepare the home with the requested ritual observances, having a hostess monitor and clean up during the day, and final clean up in the evening. If additional services are requested, these will be charged accordingly.
3. Costs:  Any cost for the food, paper products, chair rental, or other items requested by the client, will be billed separately.

Please feel free to contact Shiva Helpers for a smooth and stress free Shiva.  We provide this service with Care and Compassion.  As in our other services, our goal is to offer our clients our love and support.