Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
What is Neshama?
Neshama is a free service that aggregates obituary listings from Toronto and Montreal's Jewish funeral homes into one easy-to-read feed. Instead of checking multiple funeral home websites, you can see all current obituaries in one place.
Which funeral homes are included?
We currently aggregate from Steeles Memorial Chapel, Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, and Misaskim in Toronto, and Paperman & Sons in Montreal. We plan to add more funeral homes serving the Jewish community over time.
How often is the information updated?
Our system checks funeral home websites regularly throughout the day. New obituaries typically appear on Neshama within hours of being posted by the funeral home.
Is Neshama affiliated with any funeral home?
No. Neshama is an independent community service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any funeral home. All information is sourced from publicly available funeral home websites.
Can I get daily email updates?
Yes. Subscribe to our free daily digest and you'll receive an email each morning with new obituaries from the previous day. You can subscribe from the feed page or visit the feed to sign up.
How do I request a correction or removal?
If you notice an error or would like information removed, please email us at contact@neshama.ca. We take accuracy and privacy seriously and will respond within 24 hours.
How can I support a family sitting shiva?
Sign up to bring a meal through the family's shiva page, send food or a gift from a local vendor, or visit during shiva hours. If you are not sure where to start, our How Can I Help? page walks through the options.
What does "Neshama" mean?
Neshama is the Hebrew word for "soul." In Jewish thought, the neshama is the divine spark within each person, eternal and sacred. We chose this name because behind every loss is a family that needs comfort, and a community ready to show up for them.
Does Neshama cost anything?
No. Neshama is free for families and community members, always. Searching obituaries, organizing shiva meals, signing up to bring a meal, yahrzeit reminders, and the email digest all cost nothing. Neshama is community-supported: those who want to help keep the service running can contribute through our Sustain page, and local vendors can join our directory.
How does shiva meal coordination work?
When a family is sitting shiva, a friend or family member can create a shiva page on Neshama. From there, community members can sign up for specific meal slots (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) on each day of the shiva. It keeps everything organized so the family is cared for without duplicate meals or missed days. Learn more about organizing shiva.
Which cities does Neshama cover?
We currently cover Toronto and Montreal, aggregating from major Jewish funeral homes in both cities. We plan to expand to other Canadian communities over time. If there's a city you'd like us to add, let us know.
How do I get my loved one's obituary listed?
Obituaries are pulled automatically from the funeral homes we partner with. If a funeral is arranged through one of our listed funeral homes, the obituary will appear on Neshama within hours of being published. If you don't see a listing and believe it should be there, email us at contact@neshama.ca and we'll look into it right away.
I'm a caterer or vendor, how do I get listed?
We maintain a curated list of trusted shiva-related vendors including caterers and gift services. If you serve the Jewish community in Toronto or Montreal and would like to be included, you can apply to join our free directory or email us at contact@neshama.ca.
What are yahrzeit reminders?
A yahrzeit is the annual anniversary of a loved one's passing, observed according to the Hebrew calendar. Neshama can send you a reminder before each yahrzeit so you never miss the date to light a candle, recite Kaddish, or visit the grave. You can set up reminders on our yahrzeit page.