Making a shiva call is an immensely important mitzvah and the process of mourning certainly is no laughing matter. It should be approached with maximum care and respect. With that said, most people can acknowledge that making a shiva call sometimes leads to some uncomfortable moments, especially for those who struggle with trying to say the right thing. Obviously, making a shiva call can be a delicate situation so it’s wise to enter a shiva house with the utmost sensitivity and to be keenly cognizant of the mourners’ mood. So, try not to put your foot in your mouth… or in anyone else’s mouth.

Of course, no matter how careful you are, a shiva call can produce an awkward moment or two. So, the question is: what is the right thing to say when making a shiva call?

Let’s tackle this tricky topic through process of elimination by identifying the wrong things to say or do at a shiva house. Here are examples of what you absolutely should NOT utter or attempt when making a shiva call.

Do not convey your condolences through a game of charades.

Do not ask “How was the funeral?” That’s like asking “How was the root canal?”, “How was the pogrom?” or “How was the latest Ghostbusters movie?” You already know it was horrible, so don’t ask.

Do not ask if refreshments will be served. It is a shiva house, not a waffle house. It is a place for grief, not beef. It is a place for comfort, not comfort food. It is place to console, not casserole.

Do not ask if the decedent had a will and whether you are mentioned in it.

Do not ask if the decedent’s spouse is interested in dating. Not only is that a “too soon” question,” it is too creepy too.

Do not mention that the decedent had borrowed something from you but had not returned it. Let it go, unless it was your prosthetic leg, pacemaker or Rolls Royce.

Do not ask what the decedent’s last words were. That is crass, classless and none of your business, unless it pertained to the return of your prosthetic leg, pacemaker or Rolls Royce.

Do not start blabbing about yourself. Initially, let the grieving parties do all of the talking. If you cannot contain yourself, then at least be sure not to make flippant comments using insensitive words. For example, do not mention that your strenuous yoga class was “killer” and that you are so tired that you are “literally dying.”

Do not take a swim in the backyard pool during shiva hours but, if you so, do not attempt to impress the mourners with your highly believable dead man’s float.

Do not ask for the decedent’s tee time, season tickets or High Holiday seats. Even if you and the deceased share the exact same initials, do not ask for their monogrammed shirts and cufflinks.

Do not make incredibly stupid and highly insensitive jokes like, “Why do people who are buried in a coffin lack creativity? Because they will never think outside the box.”

Do not offer silly, callous and/or possibly offensive ideas for what to put on the tombstone like: (1) You should see the other guy, (2) My last permanent address, (3) Returned to sender, (4) What’s the WiFi password?, (5) Is it too late to get a second opinion? or (6) On appeal to the highest court.

Do not show up to a shiva house that has a long line out the door and then claim you have priority because the mourners issued you a Disney-esque Fast-Pass. By the way, even if the line is impossibly long and disorganized, it would be extremely inappropriate to expect a busy shiva house to operate like a bakery or delicatessen because, let’s face it, it’s really not a “take a number and wait” situation. You are there to comfort the mourners; they are not there to take your order. Just imagine how unbelievably wrong it would be if a shiva house actually operated like a bakery or deli:

Mourner: Number 41!

[No response.]

Mourner: Number 42!

You: Finally! Yes, I’m number 42. That’s me.

Mourner: O.K., what can I get you?

You: Alright, well I’d like a half a pound of quality time with you, one pint of acknowledgement that I aslo was here for mincha last night and five slices of credit for even paying a shiva call because we’re not actually that close.

Mourner: Coming right up. Number 43!

Bottom-line: Always show maximum respect for the grieving and never send your condolences via sky-writing.

By Jon Kranz