Studying Torah on Shabbat during Shiva
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Question
Is a mourner allowed to study Torah on Shabbat during Shiva?
Answer
A mourner is prohibited from studying Torah as it is considered private mourning, but it is permitted to read the weekly portion twice in Hebrew and once in Aramaic.
Source
In the Gemara Moed Katan, page 24a, it is stated: "There is no mourning on Shabbat, he said to him: thus said Rabbi Yochanan: private matters are observed." In Mordechai, chapter 3 of Moed Katan, in the laws of mourning, it is written: "Some prohibit Torah study on Shabbat as it resembles private matters, but R"Y permitted studying Torah on Shabbat as it brings joy to the heart, and one must rejoice on Shabbat."
The Shulchan Aruch and the Tur wrote that it is forbidden to study Torah on Shabbat, as it is considered private mourning, and ruled according to the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam and the Rosh, who prohibit studying on Shabbat. The Shulchan Aruch wrote: "But to review the weekly portion, since a person is obligated to complete his portions with the congregation, it is like reading the Shema and is permitted."
In the Shach, section 4, it is written: "It is written in Drisha in the name of the Maharshal that it is also permitted to review twice in Hebrew and once in Aramaic." Some explained that he learned that the words of the Shulchan Aruch refer to reading the weekly portion when he did not hear the Torah reading, but in practice, it is certainly permitted even ShMOT.
In Aruch HaShulchan, there, section 6, it is written to wonder about the Shulchan Aruch, who ruled to forbid, since he is commanded to learn, and if he learns bad things, his enjoyment of Shabbat will be nullified, and he mainly permits.
The Shulchan Aruch and the Tur wrote that it is forbidden to study Torah on Shabbat, as it is considered private mourning, and ruled according to the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam and the Rosh, who prohibit studying on Shabbat. The Shulchan Aruch wrote: "But to review the weekly portion, since a person is obligated to complete his portions with the congregation, it is like reading the Shema and is permitted."
In the Shach, section 4, it is written: "It is written in Drisha in the name of the Maharshal that it is also permitted to review twice in Hebrew and once in Aramaic." Some explained that he learned that the words of the Shulchan Aruch refer to reading the weekly portion when he did not hear the Torah reading, but in practice, it is certainly permitted even ShMOT.
In Aruch HaShulchan, there, section 6, it is written to wonder about the Shulchan Aruch, who ruled to forbid, since he is commanded to learn, and if he learns bad things, his enjoyment of Shabbat will be nullified, and he mainly permits.
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