Changing Clothes Before Tearing for the Deceased
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Question
My wife's mother has just passed away. Currently, my wife is wearing a dress, and if she tears it, part of her body will inevitably be exposed. Is she allowed to change the dress before the funeral and tear another garment, or is she required to tear what she is currently wearing?
Answer
Shalom Rav,
Since according to our custom the tearing is done at the time of the funeral, she should tear only the garment she will be wearing then. Therefore, she can change into another garment and tear only that one.
Source
See Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 349, Se'if 3, and Siman 340, Rema Se'if 1 and Ba'er Hetev Se'if Katan 2