עברית
Halachot and Customs
Do We Sit Shiva for a Person Who Committed Suicide?
Question
Hello Rabbi. My question is whether we should sit shiva for a person who committed suicide, may it be erased, because I heard that they are buried behind the fence (something like that...). Thank you in advance.
Answer
Dear Sir,
In general, we do not mourn for a person who has lost their mind, and we do not sit shiva for them (Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah Siman 345, Section 1).
Nevertheless, there are exceptional cases, such as if there is a concern for the family's honor, which would bring them eternal disdain and shame, where one of their own has ruined their actions and lost their mind; in such a case, there is room to be lenient and sit shiva for them.
Furthermore, if the person who committed suicide had the opportunity before their death to confess while in a clear mind, regretted their bitter step, and also sought to be saved from the abyss, we do sit shiva for them, for there is nothing that stands before repentance (Responsa Yabi'a Omer Part 2, Part Yoreh De'ah Siman 24. And see what is said about this in Chazon Ovadiah Aveilus Part 1, pages 197-201).
With good tidings,
Hillel Meirs
