FAQs

Can I change the information after creating a Shiva?

Yes. The coordinator can update the shiva information as circumstances change.

How can I contribute to a shiva?

The coordinator will indicate which payment methods are available for that particular shiva. Depending on the coordinator's preferences, you may be able to contribute by cash, check, Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or another method.

Does Shiva Mensch process my contribution?

Not necessarily. Shiva Mensch is designed to help the coordinator keep track of contributions, regardless of how the money is actually transferred.  For example, a coordinator might record a $36 contribution received by check, cash, Venmo, PayPal, or another payment method.

Can I pledge a contribution without paying immediately?

Yes. If the coordinator allows pledges, you can indicate that you intend to contribute and provide the amount and payment method. The coordinator can mark the contribution as received when payment arrives.

Who can see the contribution information?

Only the people authorized by the coordinator should have access to the detailed contribution information. Contributors shouldn't automatically see what other people have given.

My Venmo transactions are public - how do I make them private?

You can make your Venmo transactions private by changing your default privacy settings to "Private" in the mobile app.

Change Future Transactions to Private

1. Open the Venmo app and tap the Me tab.

2. Tap the Settings gear icon in the top right corner.

3. Tap Privacy.

4. Select Private under Default privacy settings. (https://help.venmo.com/cs/articles/changing-payment-privacy-hiding-past-payments-vhel191)

Change Past Transactions to Private

1. Go to the Me tab in the app.

2. Tap the Settings gear icon at the top right.

3. Tap Privacy.

4. Under Past Transactions, choose Change All to Private.

5. Confirm your choice in the pop-up window. 

Do I need an account to make a contribution?

No.  Helping shouldn't require creating another account.

What is Shiva Mensch?
Shiva Mensch is a simple online tool designed to make it easier for friends and family to help during shiva and for coordinators to keep track of who's contributed and how.

Who created Shiva Mensch?
Shiva Mensch was created by Steve Parks, who wanted to make the often-scattered process of coordinating help during shiva simpler and more organized.

Is Shiva Mensch free?

Yes. Shiva Mensch is free to use. Optional contributions to support Shiva Mensch are welcome but never required.

Why is it called Shiva Mensch?
A mensch is a person who does the right thing -- someone who helps others and can be counted on. That's exactly what Shiva Mensch is about: making it easier for good people to take care of each other.

Is Shiva Mensch only for Jewish families?

Shiva Mensch was created specifically to support the traditions and needs surrounding Jewish shiva, while recognizing that every family and community may have its own practices.

Can I contribute to Shiva Mensch?

Yes. Shiva Mensch is free to use, and we hope to keep it that way.

If you find Shiva Mensch helpful, you may optionally make a contribution to help support the service and its continued development.

Does my contribution to Shiva Mensch go to the family?

No. A contribution to Shiva Mensch is completely separate from a contribution to a shiva.

Money contributed to a shiva goes to the recipient designated by the coordinator. An optional contribution to Shiva Mensch supports the service itself.