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29th of Elul, 5770 - Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Food For Shiva

Meal of Consolation - se’udat havra’ah

One of the oldest, most important and meaningful traditions the Jewish people have is upon returning to the house of mourning following the burial, the community provides the first meal. It is customary for the meal to be dairy and would include round foods such as hard boiled eggs, lentils or bagels, which symbolize the cycle of life. This meal of condolence was started because if it was left to the mourner’s own will, they may not eat and would become ill. Today, the community provides the first set of meals, because the mourners should not feel as if they are “hosting” a party, or that they be concerned about taking care of anyone else’s needs. Rather, the community is there to take care of the mourners.

Before ordering food for a house of mourning, please keep in mind that some families may keep strict kosher. Some companies listed below are strictly kosher, while others are “kosher style.”