When there is a death in the family or in the family of someone you care about, it is often difficult to know how to express your heartfelt condolences. Often, people send flowers , but flowers are not traditionally accepted as an expression of sympathy in all religions, particularly in Judaism.

A more acceptable alternative when expressing condolences is a sympathy basket of food.

The last thing on many people's minds when there is a death in their family is cooking and eating right. A delicious food gift is practical and appreciated.

Many people have friends and family visit their home after the loss of a loved one (in Judaism, this is called the shiva period). Having some wonderful food to offer guests during trying times helps the grieving family bond, console and concentrate on sharing thoughts and memories rather than worrying about what to serve.

A sympathy basket also will help make sure that the recipient is eating properly. People frequently do not think to eat when suffering with feelings of loss, so a food sympathy basket is a good way to make sure that your friend or loved one is taking in nourishment. Naturally, it also communicates thoughts and warm wishes—a key reason to send a gift.

If you are not Jewish and you have a Jewish friend or loved one who has experienced a death in the family, it may be difficult to know the most appropriate way to express your condolences. A sympathy (also called shiva) basket is a safe choice, instead of sending flowers, for your Jewish friend or loved one.

In the Jewish religion "shiva" translates to the word seven, representing the seven-day mourning period after a death. This generally represents the period where family and friends gather to mourn their loss and is the time when friends, family and colleagues can visit to pay respects.

The timing of delivery of a sympathy basket for shiva is variable, although it's best to have the gift arrive as soon after the funeral as possible.

A sympathy basket is appropriate for all religions and heritages. Many people do not want flowers sent to their homes for many reasons, not the least of which is potential allergies. Also, flowers require care and a grieving family may not be able to care for floral arrangements sent to their home.

A sympathy basket typically consists of baked goods, fruits, nuts, and more. You can order a sympathy basket from challahconnection.com and have it delivered to the mourning family or wherever the gathering is taking place. You can also include a card that expresses your condolences for the family. Many people struggle with the right words to say in a sympathy card. Some acceptable phrases to use in the card include:

• "With our heartfelt sympathy"
• "Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this (difficult) time"
• "We are thinking of you and your family"
• "With our heartfelt sympathy"

Cards should be signed with "love," or other closing that is appropriate.

If you are in need of a sympathy basket, you can easily order one from challahconnection.com. This is a very easy and convenient way to get the appropriate item and to have it delivered for you.

Many of us have quite full schedules with little time to commit to shopping for appropriate gifts. Shopping online saves you the hassle of running to a store and saves you a great deal of time as well. You are able to get what you need with just a few clicks of the mouse. You can order the gift that you need any time of day and do not have to worry about whether or not the store is open.

At challahconnection.com, there are multiple sympathy baskets to choose from that come in a variety of prices and are appealing to people of all backgrounds. It is an unfortunate reality that you may have the need to purchase a sympathy basket at some time. When you do, please consider challahconnection.com as your online source.