Is it permissible to say good morning to a mourner
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Question
Is it permissible to say good morning or good night to a mourner?
Answer
During the seven days of mourning, it is forbidden to say "good morning" or "good night" to a mourner. However, after the seven days, it is permissible to say "good morning" to a mourner for a father or mother. Only the greeting "shalom," which is the name of the Almighty, is forbidden. However, it seems that asking "How are you?" is also considered a form of greeting that is forbidden.
Source
Regarding the greeting "shalom," the Rema wrote: "There are those who are lenient nowadays with greeting a mourner after thirty days, but they have no basis for this unless they claim that what we practice is not considered a greeting as in their times."
In the commentary of the Galion Maharsha, the custom rejected by the Rema is explained: "See Orach Chaim, chapter 89, section 2, where it is forbidden to greet before prayer, this is only 'shalom' as it is the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, but it is permissible to say 'Tzafra de-Mara Tav' (good morning)." They believe that only 'shalom' is forbidden, but 'good morning' is permitted.
In the book "Pri Megadim" Orach Chaim, Eshel Avraham, chapter 554, section 21, it is written: "See Eliyah Rabbah, section 21, 'Tzafra de-Mara Tav' is also forbidden on Tisha B'Av, as in mourning within thirty days." It is also written in "Aruch HaShulchan," Orach Chaim, chapter 554, section 18: "Also, on Tisha B'Av, one should not say 'Tzafra de-Mara Tav' and in our language 'Gut Morgen' should not be said on Tisha B'Av," and so it is ruled in "Mishna Berura," chapter 554, section 41, regarding Tisha B'Av: "And it is also forbidden to say to him 'Tzafra Tava.'"
In the book "Ba'er Heitev," it is written that according to the lenient custom, one can be lenient immediately after the seven days, as long as it is not the name of the Almighty, and therefore, during the seven days, it is forbidden to say "good morning" to a mourner, but after the seven days, it is customary to be lenient in this.