עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is It Permissible to Watch Television During a Mourning Year?
Question
I have told my siblings that during the mourning year for our father, it is permissible to watch television for sports and news programs. Unfortunately, they are also watching entertainment shows and comedy films. Should I admonish them about this? Additionally, are they allowed to drink wine (not for kiddush) at all, and is it permitted during Pesach (Chol HaMoed)? Thank you.
Answer
Happy Holidays,
1. During the seven days of mourning (Shiva), it is prohibited to watch television because it distracts from the mourning (see Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Yalkut Yosef, Aveilut, Chapter 22, Section 16). After this period, there is no prohibition to watch television from the perspective of mourning laws. However, there is still a general prohibition against watching television - see here.
2. Only a mourner (in the period between death and burial) is forbidden to drink wine (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, Chapter 340, Section 1). After burial, until the end of Shiva, it is permissible to drink a little wine during the meal to aid in digestion but not to be fully satisfied (see there, Chapter 381, Section 8). However, after the Shiva period, one may drink wine as usual.
May you find comfort from Heaven!
Wishing you well,
Hillel Meirs
