Can I send flowers to an Orthodox Jewish mourner?

[Anonymous]

Can I send flowers to an Orthodox Jewish mourner?

Coworker's parent died.

[Anonymous]

If you look at the obituary, it usually says, "in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to..."

I would look for the obit if you don't have it already, and make a donation. Can you send flowers, yes, but the donation is more appropriate

[Anonymous]

I usually send trees in Israel via the Jewish National Fund.

[Anonymous]

No flowers. A food gift (kosher) is more appropriate.

[Anonymous]

When my mom died my Jewish friends brought meals and planted a tree in my mothers memory. I was greatly touched by these gestures of care. When Jewish friends lost family I sat shiva with them and left a card.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think flowers are traditional. Send certified kosher food to the shiva or make a donation in their memory.

[Anonymous]

No flowers.

[Anonymous]

I think people send food instead

[Anonymous]

+1 on no flowers.

Obituary may name a charity where you can donate to honor the deceased.

You could also send food to the shiva house (the family house where they will accept visitors after the funeral). As mentioned, food should be kosher.

[Anonymous]

Donation to a charity, for sure.
No flowers.

[Anonymous]

No flowers. Food from a kosher deli, or plant a tree in Israel in the dead person's memory.

[Anonymous]

Flowers in the Jewish tradition are only for happy occasions--I'm not sure why. They do die, of course.
Food is traditional; any kind (cheese and fruit are kosher). A donation to a charity or a hospital in memory of the deceased is wonderful.
That said, we're Jewish and when my grandpa died some people sent flowers. We weren't offended--they were lovely. We gave them to a courthouse where weddings were being held.
It's very thoughtful of you to ask.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Flowers in the Jewish tradition are only for happy occasions--I'm not sure why. They do die, of course.
Food is traditional; any kind (cheese and fruit are kosher). A donation to a charity or a hospital in memory of the deceased is wonderful.
That said, we're Jewish and when my grandpa died some people sent flowers. We weren't offended--they were lovely. We gave them to a courthouse where weddings were being held.
It's very thoughtful of you to ask.

Most cheeses are not kosher. Stick to fruit or packaged goods that have an OU kosher symbol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Flowers in the Jewish tradition are only for happy occasions--I'm not sure why. They do die, of course.
Food is traditional; any kind (cheese and fruit are kosher). A donation to a charity or a hospital in memory of the deceased is wonderful.
That said, we're Jewish and when my grandpa died some people sent flowers. We weren't offended--they were lovely. We gave them to a courthouse where weddings were being held.
It's very thoughtful of you to ask.

Most cheeses are not kosher. Stick to fruit or packaged goods that have an OU kosher symbol.

I don’t think people outside an observant Jewish person’s community should try to send food at all. You don’t know about how they keep kosher or what their allergies or diets are like.

And I’m not sure this is the best time to pay to plant trees in Israel on behalf of someone if you don’t know anything about that person’s politics.

So, if it were me, I’d make the donation on the person’s behalf to the Jewish Federation or equivalent organization in your community. Or, to the person’s synagogue, if you know what synagogue the person belonged to.

[Anonymous]

Make a donation in the parent's name.