Is it permissible to say 'hello' on the phone to a mourner during the thirty and seven days
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Question
When calling a mourner on the phone, is it permissible to say 'hello', which means 'peace' in a foreign language?
Answer
Even though one should not say 'peace' in a foreign language within thirty days, it seems permissible to say 'hello', as today it is said to indicate to the caller that the call has been answered, not to inquire about well-being.
Source
Regarding greeting in a foreign language, it seems clear that it is forbidden, at least within thirty days, as it is no less than 'good morning', which the poskim write is forbidden within thirty days, and the custom is to permit it after thirty days.
As for permitting saying 'hello' on the phone, it seems that it has no intention of greeting at all. For the Mishnah Berurah in Siman 89, Seif Katan 11 is uncertain about greeting in a foreign language before prayer, and we do not find anyone who refrains from saying 'hello' on the phone before prayer.
Also, saying 'hello' to a married woman on the phone is customarily permitted, even though it is explained in Kiddushin, page 70, and ruled in Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer, Siman 21, Seif 6. However, it is certainly customary to be lenient in this, as there is no intention in greeting, but only to convey the voice to the other side of the phone.
As for permitting saying 'hello' on the phone, it seems that it has no intention of greeting at all. For the Mishnah Berurah in Siman 89, Seif Katan 11 is uncertain about greeting in a foreign language before prayer, and we do not find anyone who refrains from saying 'hello' on the phone before prayer.
Also, saying 'hello' to a married woman on the phone is customarily permitted, even though it is explained in Kiddushin, page 70, and ruled in Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer, Siman 21, Seif 6. However, it is certainly customary to be lenient in this, as there is no intention in greeting, but only to convey the voice to the other side of the phone.
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