Speaking with a child on the phone during Shiva
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Question
Is it permissible for a mourner during his Shiva [first seven days of mourning] to speak on the phone with a small child, which might bring him joy because of the child’s cleverness?
Answer
It is forbidden. However, if it is necessary to calm the child, it is permitted.
Source
It is stated in the Gemara Moed Katan, page 26b: "Rav Papa said: It is taught in Avel Rabbati: A mourner should not place a child in his lap because it brings him to laughter, and he becomes disgraced in the eyes of people." This is also ruled in the Shulchan Aruch, Siman 391, paragraph 1. This certainly causes him to laugh, and it is certainly forbidden, and there is no difference between speaking with him on the phone and holding him in his lap.