4 min readWhat to Write in a Shiva Card: Jewish Condolence Messages
Keep it short and warm: say you are sorry, name the person who died if you knew them, and add one memory or a simple wish for comfort. A traditional line is "May HaMakom comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem." Sign with your full name so the family knows who wrote.
Traditional Jewish condolence messages
The classic line, in English and Hebrew:
May HaMakom comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
Other traditional lines:
- "May their memory be a blessing." (Hebrew: יהי זכרם ברוך)
- "May you know no more sorrow." (Hebrew: שלא תדעו עוד צער)
- "Wishing you long life, and comfort in the days ahead."
Short messages for a coworker or acquaintance
- "I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family."
- "With deepest sympathy, from all of us at the office."
- "We are sorry, and we are here for you."
For a close friend
Add one real thing: a memory, a quality you loved, or an offer you will keep.
- "I will always remember your mom's laugh at the Seder table. Thinking of you."
- "Your dad was the kindest man I knew. I am bringing dinner on Thursday."
What to avoid in a shiva card
- Explaining the loss: "Everything happens for a reason."
- Comparing: "I know exactly how you feel."
- Vague offers: "Let me know if you need anything." Offer something specific instead.
More on this in what to say at a shiva.
Adding a card to your gift
At checkout you can pick one of these messages in English, Hebrew or both, or write your own. We print it on a card inside the gift. For a tree, see what to write on a tree certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you write in a shiva card?
Say you are sorry, name the person if you knew them, and add a memory or a wish for comfort. Sign with your full name.
What is the traditional Jewish condolence message?
May HaMakom comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. In Hebrew: HaMakom yenachem etchem b'toch she'ar aveilei Tzion v'Yerushalayim.
What does "may their memory be a blessing" mean?
It is a traditional Jewish wish that the person who died be remembered for the good they did. In Hebrew it is yehi zichram baruch.
What should you not write in a sympathy card to a Jewish family?
Avoid explaining the loss away, comparing it to your own, or vague offers of help. Avoid religious lines about the afterlife unless you know the family shares them.
Can I add a Hebrew message to a shiva gift?
Yes. At checkout you can choose a message in English, Hebrew or both, or write your own, and it is printed on a card inside.
Reviewed with guidance from Jewish mourning traditions across Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform practices.
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