Quick question about writing a condolence letter

[Anonymous]

A friend from my youth has passed away, and I want to write a note to his family with some nice memories of our friendship. He was Jewish, as is his family.

I am aware of the phrase, “May his memory be a blessing”. A number of my friends who are Jewish used the phrase in notes of condolence when my parents died and I thought it was a very beautiful and very comforting thing to hear when I was grieving.

Is it okay for me to use this phrase when I write to the family of my friend? Or would it be inappropriate to use it as I am not Jewish?

[Anonymous]

I think it’s fine.

[Anonymous]

I’m Jewish and think it’s fine but trite.

[Anonymous]

It is fine and in fact it is really the perfect thing to say. Also, it’s “may his memory be for a blessing.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is fine and in fact it is really the perfect thing to say. Also, it’s “may his memory be for a blessing.”

Ah, thank you, I didn’t know that. I didn’t catch the “for” within the phrase.

[Anonymous]

I would google it. I seem to remember there are things you should and shouldn't say or do.
https://guttermansinc.com/jewish-mourning-customs-expressing-your-sympathy/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is fine and in fact it is really the perfect thing to say. Also, it’s “may his memory be for a blessing.”

Ah, thank you, I didn’t know that. I didn’t catch the “for” within the phrase.

No problem. I think his parents will be so touched to read your memories with him. It is a lovely idea.

[Anonymous]

It's probably not "problematic" but, as a pp wrote, it can be trite and they've probably heard it dozens of times already.

Maybe listing the ways his memory is/will be a blessing to you would be more meaningful? "His memory is a blessing to me. I'll never forget when I really needed help with _______ and he was right there to support me. Or that time __________ when he made me laugh so hard I cried." Specific details mean more than platitudes, IME.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is fine and in fact it is really the perfect thing to say. Also, it’s “may his memory be for a blessing.”

Ah, thank you, I didn’t know that. I didn’t catch the “for” within the phrase.

No we don’t say the “for”, google it. I have never seen it that way.