What to do now

One list for the first hours, days and weeks. Tick off what is done – the ticks are saved only on this device. You can print it and hand it to someone who is helping.

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The first hours

Most of these tasks can and should be handed to someone close who is not a member of the immediate family.

Death notification and burial permitIn a hospital – the notification is issued there. At home – a doctor or MDA certifies the death and issues the notification. Information and service (gov.il, Hebrew) →
Contact the Chevra KadishaSetting the time and place of the funeral and the burial. Burial in a public cemetery is funded by the National Insurance Institute. Information and service (Kol Zchut, Hebrew) →
Tell family members and close friendsA short list of people, each of whom passes the news on.
Printable death notice and a message to groupsA printable death notice and a picture for WhatsApp, in a few minutes, no sign-up. Open the tool →
Rabbi, eulogist or ceremony leaderAccording to the family's wishes. Choose who will give the eulogies.

The days of shiva

During shiva it is best to deal only with what is urgent. The rest can wait.

Where the shiva is held, visiting and prayer hoursDecide, and publish in the notice and in the groups.
A person in charge of meals and shifts at homeOne person who coordinates food, shopping and tidying the house. A shared sign-up board for visitors: Open the tool →
Inform workplaces, school and kindergartenFor the family and the children. In Israel, bereavement leave depends on the collective agreement or the employment contract (usually up to 7 days for a first-degree relative) – check with the employer.
Death certificateIssued by the Population Authority, also digitally. The first copy is free of charge. Needed for banks, insurers and inheritance. Information and service (gov.il, Hebrew) →
A psalms sheet for the elevation of the soulPsalm 119 by the letters of the name, to print. Open the tool →

The weeks after

General information. For your specific situation, it is worth consulting a lawyer or a rights adviser.

Government guidance after a death – step by stepThe relevant government services gathered in one place. Information and service (gov.il, Hebrew) →
Death grant for survivorsFrom the National Insurance Institute, for the spouse or children of someone who received certain benefits (for example old-age, survivors' or disability). Usually paid automatically – confirm on the website. Information and service (Kol Zchut, Hebrew) →
Rights of family membersSurvivors' benefits, insurance, funds and accounts. Information and service (Kol Zchut, Hebrew) →
Inheritance orderWhen there is no will. Filed with the Registrar of Inheritance, also online. Information and service (gov.il, Hebrew) →
Probate orderWhen there is a will. Information and service (gov.il, Hebrew) →
Accounts, subscriptions and debtsBanks, credit cards, suppliers and subscriptions. Information and service (Kol Zchut, Hebrew) →
Memorial and headstoneDates according to the custom of the family and the community.

More tools

Death notice to print and share

A4 for home printing, and a picture to share on WhatsApp with a preview. Details stay on your device.

Open →

Talking with children

What to say, by age: where did he go, why are we crying, should they come to the funeral.

Open →

Daily anchors

Three small reminders a day – rest, water and food, switching off in the evening – straight to your calendar.

Open →

General information only, and not legal advice. The links lead to the Israeli government and Kol Zchut websites (in Hebrew); terms and procedures may change – check the source before acting.

Shivha Portal · In memory of Ofek Refael Taub z"l · www.shivha.co.il

Memorial candles

Ofek Refael Taub z"l

Light a candle →

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