Recently I visited a Shiva house. A dear friend of mine had passed away, a young woman who left behind a husband and three beautiful children. I didn't know what to bring. While it is customary to bring food to a Shiva house, I knew there would be an abundance of food there and their physical needs would be taken care of.

When I arrived at the home, I saw that I was correct. There was an abundance of food and there did not seem to be anything appropriate, no gift that I could dare to think of, to wrap up and present to this devastated family.

So there I was empty handed.

I took some time speaking to each of the mourners, trying to offer a small measure of comfort, but it wasn't until I spoke to the youngest child that it occurred to me what I needed to give them. I asked this young girl, "Can I please give you a gift?"

As I suspected she would, she responded, "Oh no! What am I to do with all these presents?" I guess I wasn't the only one who wanted to "give" to this lovely family. But I explained to her, "This gift is a little different. It's my phone number," I said. I took out a business card and wrote my home phone and cell phone on the back of it, along with my personal email. "Please," I continued, "call me - if you need a ride, or to be dropped off, or if you just want to "IM" me (I recently learned "IM" is now a verb). Anytime 24/7."

The smile I got was delightful. It was better than her smacking her lips over any tasty dish I might have brought.

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During this summer month of July, Tisha B'Av will appear - the ninth day of the Jewish calendar month of Av. It is a day of mourning and fasting. On this day, Jews remember the destruction of The First Temple in 586 BCE, the destruction of The Second Temple in 70 CE, as well as other tragedies suffered by Jews in the past. As such, it is customary for Jews to refrain from eating meat during the Nine Days (Tishat HaYamim) leading up to the Ninth of Av (Tisha B'Av).

And so, I leave you, my friend, with my email: gitelle@thekoshercook.com and a wish for you to have an easy and meaningful fast.

Lastly, here is a recipe should you wish to try something light and nutritious during the Nine Days. I hope you will enjoy this recipe and remember that comfort comes in many forms, not just food.