Halachot and Customs
Is it permitted to go to performances during the year of mourning?
Question
Hello, Rabbi,
1. What are the laws of mourning for the death of parents?
2. Also, about two weeks ago my mother passed away. I have a subscription to performances. Am I permitted to go to performances?
3. Is there a prohibition against eating meat during the first month?
Thank you in advance
Answer
Greetings,
1. There are many details in the laws of mourning. It would be best if you wrote to us whether you follow Ashkenazi or Sephardi custom, and, with Hashems help, we will try to tell you which book you should obtain so that you can learn the laws.
2. You should not go to performances that have music. You may go to other performances.
3. Only an onen (that is, the mourner in the period between the death and the burial) is forbidden to eat meat. However, a mourner is permitted to eat meat (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah, siman 341, seif 1, and siman 378, seif 8. See also Chazon Ovadia, Mourning, part 2, page 315).
We will be glad to help as much as you wish, with Hashems help.
May you be comforted from Heaven!
Bsorot Tovot,
Hillel Meirs
