The Law of Consoling Mourners on Shabbat | Comforting mourners | Ask the Rabbi - SHEILOT.COM

The Law of Consoling Mourners on Shabbat

Question

I heard that it is possible to console mourners on Shabbat even though they do not sit shiva on Shabbat. In fact, I have much more time on Shabbat. Is it permissible to console on Shabbat instead of on a weekday?

Answer

If it is possible to console on a weekday, it is forbidden to console on Shabbat merely for convenience. However, if on a weekday there is no opportunity to speak with the mourner, only to briefly wish him due to the large number of consolers or because the time you can dedicate is a very short visit, and on Shabbat you can console him, and you feel that a long visit will encourage him and alleviate his sorrow, it is appropriate and correct.

Source

Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, Siman 287, סעיף א) Mishnah Berurah (subsections 1, 2, 3; Beur Halacha, ד"ה וכן).

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