What to Bring to a Shiva House | Kosher Gift Guide | The Sweet Tooth
Not sure what to bring to a shiva house? Jewish tradition calls for food—especially something sweet. Our kosher chocolate gift baskets arrive beautifully wrapped and ready to present. Same-day delivery in Miami or shipped nationwide.
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When words fall short, a thoughtful gift speaks volumes. Our kosher sympathy baskets bring comfort to mourning families—beautifully arranged, ready to deliver, and crafted with care at our North Miami Beach kitchen since 1979.
Shiva visits call for something meaningful. Flowers fade. Chocolate stays. Our handcrafted baskets arrive wrapped and presentable, so you can walk into a shiva house with confidence.
What Makes Our Sympathy Gifts Different?
We understand Jewish mourning traditions. Every basket we create is certified Kosher from Kosher Miami. We offer parve (dairy-free) options for homes keeping strict separation. And we deliver same-day throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Choose from elegant truffle boxes, gourmet chocolate assortments, or complete gift baskets with cookies, bark, and covered treats. Each piece is handmade by our team—not pulled from a warehouse shelf.
Sending from out of town? We ship nationwide via FedEx and UPS. Your gift arrives within 2-5 business days, carefully packed to survive the journey.
Browse our sympathy collection. Need help choosing? Call us at (305) 682-1400 or stop by our shop. We've helped thousands of families find the right gift for difficult moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you bring to a shiva house?
The most appropriate gift for a shiva house is food—especially sweets like a chocolate gift basket. Jewish tradition emphasizes nourishing mourners, and something sweet offers comfort without requiring preparation. At The Sweet Tooth, we create kosher sympathy baskets specifically designed for shiva visits. Our gifts arrive beautifully wrapped and ready to present.
What is shiva?
Shiva is the seven-day Jewish mourning period following the burial of a close relative. Family members stay home to receive visitors, reflect, and grieve. Friends and community members visit to offer condolences, bring food, and provide support. The word "shiva" comes from the Hebrew word for seven.
Can you send flowers to a shiva house?
Flowers are generally not appropriate for Jewish mourning. Unlike other traditions, Jewish custom focuses on food gifts and personal visits rather than floral arrangements. A kosher food basket or chocolate gift is the traditional and welcomed choice. This applies to the shiva house and the funeral service itself.
What is a good sympathy gift for a Jewish family?
A kosher food gift basket is the most appropriate sympathy gift for a Jewish family. Chocolate, baked goods, fruit, and nuts are all common choices. The gift should be certified kosher—look for OU, OK, or Star-K symbols. The Sweet Tooth offers ready-to-give sympathy baskets with OU certification starting at $45.
How long does shiva last?
Shiva traditionally lasts seven days, beginning immediately after burial. However, the mourning period is paused on Shabbat (Friday evening through Saturday evening) and may be shortened by certain Jewish holidays. Many families observe a shorter shiva of three days. Visitors are welcome throughout the entire period.
What do you say when visiting a shiva house?
You don't need to say anything profound. Simply being present matters most. Common phrases include "I'm sorry for your loss" or the Hebrew "HaMakom yenachem etchem" (May God comfort you). Let the mourner lead the conversation. Bringing a gift like chocolate gives you something to offer when words feel inadequate.
Do you deliver shiva gifts same day in Miami?
Yes. The Sweet Tooth offers same-day delivery throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties for orders placed before noon. We understand that shiva visits often happen quickly. Call us at (305) 682-1400 for urgent orders or special delivery requests.
Where can I buy kosher sympathy gift baskets near me?
If you're in South Florida, The Sweet Tooth is located at 18435 NE 19th Ave, North Miami Beach, FL 33179. Walk-ins are welcome. We also ship nationwide—most orders arrive within 2-5 business days. All our products are certified kosher under Orthodox Union supervision.
Related Collections
- Corporate Gift Baskets – Professional sympathy gifts for colleagues
- Parve Chocolate – Dairy-free options for kosher homes
- Truffles – Elegant individual gifts
- Get Well Gifts – For hospital visits and recovery
- Thank You Baskets – Express gratitude to those who helped