Question:If somebody is sponsoring a Shul kiddush on the occasion of a yartzeit of a relative but this individual is currently in the shloshim period for another relative, can he attend the kiddush? Answer: An ovel may not partake of a meal together with others (c.f. Shulchan Aruch and Remo Siman 391 Se’if 2) during the aveilus period (i.e., twelve months following the demise of a parent, and thirty days following the demise of other relatives). In this specific situation, assuming that the absence of the sponsor will be conspicuous were he not to attend, he may attend the kiddush, because refraining from attending the kiddush would constitute aveilus in public, which is forbidden on Shabbos (c.f. She’eilas Ya’avetz Cheilek 2 Siman 180, Gesher Hachayim Cheilek 1 Perek 21, 8:12). However, if the absence of the ovel will not be conspicuous to others, he should abstain from the kiddush (c.f. Pischei Teshuva Yoreh De’ah Siman 391 s.k. 2, 4). |
Attending a Kiddush During Shloshim
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