עברית
Halachot and Customs
Shoes of the Deceased and Ending Mourning in a Leap Year
Question
Hello esteemed Rabbi, is it permitted to wear shoes that belonged to the deceased, or must all such pairs be cut up and discarded? Another question: Am I still in mourning? (My mother passed away on the 30th of Nissan, 5775). Thank you.
Answer
Greetings,
1. One should refrain from wearing shoes that the deceased was wearing at the time of death (Yabia Omer, Part 3, Yoreh Deah 5); however, shoes that were not on the deceased at that time may be used.
2. Even in a leap year, the laws of mourning end after twelve months, and therefore you have already completed the mourning period (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 393:2).
Wishing you well, Hillel Meirs
