They say that you can find anything “online.” That’s why it was not surprising when I recently discovered an online resource dedicated to helping people work through the “shiva” process called “ShivaConnect.com.”
According to its website:
ShivaConnect.com is a complimentary service for mourners and those wishing to express their condolences, providing instant communication to people near and far. Answers to who, what, where, when and how many are posted on a personal “Shiva Registry” to organize the bereavement period. Our unique website features the ability to learn about sitting shiva, make a memorial donation, locate shiva food providers, find helpful resources and request an annual Yahrzeit reminder via email, with “just a click.”
Started by Sharon Rosen, a baby boomer living in South Florida, this online resource is meant to help people through the logistical and emotional challenges that go along with the shiva process. According to an article last spring in The Jewish Week:
The registry, which is free, allows people to see what food has already been ordered, how many people are expected for dinner, as well as special dietary considerations. Users can then order food for the shiva house directly from the site (currently the site offers a listing of 175 delis nationwide and plans to add more restaurants). It only takes about five minutes to input information, Rosen says. “It can be done by the mourner or someone else in their family or a friend or synagogue caring committee. Mourners can also call us and we’ll input the information for them if they are traveling and don’t have access to a computer.”
The link to the registry can then be e-mailed, posted on Facebook or tweeted.
The site, which receives 1,600 visitors a month, will bring in revenue from advertising (the delis pay to be listed on the site) and online banner ads. More than 100 people, on average, view each listing.
A useful tool for the 21st century mourner and one that can be used by both the affiliated and unaffiliated- check it out at www.shivaconnect.com