Writing "Shalom" in a Message During Shiva
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Question
Is it permissible for a mourner to write "Shalom" in a message on the phone to a friend?
Answer
A mourner is prohibited from greeting with "Shalom" and from writing a greeting letter, therefore it is forbidden to write a message with a greeting to a friend during the days of mourning.
Source
The Rema writes in Yoreh De'ah, Siman 380: "Just as it is permitted to write during Chol HaMoed, so it is permitted to write during the days of mourning; but not in another manner." In Orach Chaim, Siman 548, the Mishnah Berurah, s.k. 35, permits writing greeting letters since it is not considered professional work. Nevertheless, in Aruch HaShulchan, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 380, paragraph 10, it is written: "But certainly, there are details that are not the same, and writing greeting letters is certainly forbidden for a mourner."
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