עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it permissible to bring a baby to comfort mourners?
Question
Hello,
My mother-in-law's brother passed away. I wanted to go with my son (an infant) to offer condolences.
Is it permissible to bring the baby, and are the mourners and other attendees allowed to touch him?
Thank you very much.
Answer
Greetings,
You are permitted to come with your baby to comfort the mourners. However, the mourners themselves should be careful not to hold the baby, as the Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah (Siman 345, Section 1) states that it is forbidden to engage in joy, therefore they should not take a baby in their arms during the seven days of mourning lest they come to laughter.
Best wishes,
Hillel Meirs
