עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it permitted to celebrate a birthday during the year of mourning?
Question
Hi. My father passed away before the holiday. The month will end on 15.10. A month later I will celebrate my 28th birthday, and so will my fiancé, who is celebrating in the same month. My question is whether we are permitted to celebrate in some way, and whether it is permitted to buy and receive gifts during this year, which is the year of mourning?
Answer
Shalom uverachah,
Celebrate the birthdays on Shabbat, כמובן without desecrating Shabbat, Hashem forbid, since on Shabbat one does not observe the practices of mourning publicly.
It is permitted for a mourner to give gifts during the year of mourning, but it is forbidden for a mourner to receive birthday gifts - a gift of affection - during the year of mourning for a father or mother. And on Shabbat it is permitted to receive a gift. It is preferable to give a gift that the mourner will enjoy on Shabbat, such as a book to read, food or drink, and the like, since some forbid giving a gift on Shabbat.
With blessing,
Menashe ben Porat
Celebrate the birthdays on Shabbat, כמובן without desecrating Shabbat, Hashem forbid, since on Shabbat one does not observe the practices of mourning publicly.
It is permitted for a mourner to give gifts during the year of mourning, but it is forbidden for a mourner to receive birthday gifts - a gift of affection - during the year of mourning for a father or mother. And on Shabbat it is permitted to receive a gift. It is preferable to give a gift that the mourner will enjoy on Shabbat, such as a book to read, food or drink, and the like, since some forbid giving a gift on Shabbat.
With blessing,
Menashe ben Porat
