עברית
Halachot and Customs
Does the saying "May you be comforted from Heaven" delay the mitzvah of comforting mourners?
Question
I went to comfort a woman I know who is sitting shiva for her father, may his memory be a blessing. During my time there, I listened to her words along with the other comforters, and afterwards, I hugged her and left. However, when I exited, I realized that I forgot to say "May you be comforted from Heaven." Does this mean that I did not fulfill the mitzvah?
I would appreciate your response.
Answer
Shalom,
The main component of the mitzvah of comforting mourners is to offer words of consolation and kind sentiments to the mourner, or to listen to what they have to say until their sorrow diminishes and they appear more at ease. It is true that Sephardim have the custom to say at the end of the consolation, "May you be comforted from Heaven," but this does not delay the fulfillment of the main mitzvah.
Sources: See what is written in the Pri Megadim, Yoreh De'ah (Siman 367, 3), and also in the book Hazon Ovadia, mourning, part 3 (page 66, column 1, and page 69, under "And behold"). Also refer to the book Nethei Gavriel, mourning, part 1 (Chapter 87, sections 1, 9, 10).
Bsorot Tovot,
Hillel Meirs
