Grief can make a person lose their appetite. But according to the majority of Jewish grandmothers, nothing cures like a good meal. Though food can’t bring anyone back or relieve all sadness, it is undeniably comforting, and sending Katz’s Birthday Box, one of our favorite gift baskets, to a friend in mourning is an act of love almost as good as making a meal yourself. Despite the celebratory name of the offering—which isn’t inscribed anywhere on the package—this selection of goods from the classic New York deli makes an apt bereavement gift. Each box contains a pound each of pastrami, corned beef, and Swiss cheese, plus a half loaf of deli rye bread and all the fixings (sauerkraut, Russian dressing, 1 quart each of full-sour and half-sour pickles, mustard), as well as mini black-and-white cookies for dessert. It’s a bountiful spread at a great value that comes pristinely packed—it’s classic Jewish care-taking delivered to their doorstep.
