Writing Torah Novelties During Shiva
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Question
Is it permitted to write down Torah novelties that occurred to him during the study of things that are permitted to learn during the days of mourning?
Answer
The rule for writing for a mourner is like that of Chol HaMoed, and therefore, Torah novelties regarding the laws of mourning may be written during his days of mourning, as it is considered a matter that may be lost.
Source
The Rema writes in Yoreh De'ah, Siman 340: "Just as it is permitted to write during Chol HaMoed, so it is permitted to write during the days of mourning; but not on other matters".
In the laws of Chol HaMoed, the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 545, Paragraph 9, writes: "If one hears something novel, it is permitted to write it down so as not to forget; and if one sees a new book, it is permitted to copy it if it cannot be copied after the festival".
In the Mishnah Berurah there, S.K. 47, two reasons are given: either because one might forget later what one wishes to innovate, and even if one does not forget, there is still an obligation to always study Torah, and if one needs to write later what has now been innovated, it will detract from subsequent study, and this is a matter that may be lost.