HOW TO USE THE SHIVA BOX
Among the kindest gifts to mourners are stories that tell of one’s positive experiences with and kind thoughts about the person who has died. It is not always possible for everyone to hear the initial telling; and so the shiva box offers an additional opportunity as well as a tangible family resource.
Each day someone—probably not a key mourner—may be appointed to be a recorder, to either transcribe or tape the spoken anecdotes. Grandchildren have been proven to be adept and charming interviewers! Visitors are encouraged to write memories and place them in the box. Available paper is placed at the top of the pile; written notes are bound with the elastic tie and held at the bottom. Privacy should be respected.
After the shiva period the mourners will hopefully celebrate—bitter-sweet though it may be—their loved one’s life by looking at and listening to the stories. These may be brought out again or added to at various points in the dynamic life of the family and memory.
$120
Express shipping is available.
Symbols of the Elizabethan four elements – earth, water, air, fire – create a cycle from mourning to celebration.
PRODUCT PARTICULARS
• Solid pine and birch box, organic cotton tapestry, antique closure, archival paper with inscriptions.
• 29 x 29 x 7cm (11″ x 11″ x 3″) fits on a standard bookshelf
• Included are instructions for using and personalizing your Shiva box, and Janis Rapoport’s poem “Laughter is heard further than weeping” that she wrote specifically for this piece.
• The tapestry upholstered on to the box lid comes in 6 colourways. Make your choice on the purchase page.
• Stock is ready to go. Express shipping is available.