Mourning upon the passing of a grandfather
Question
My grandfather passed away today, and my mother is sitting shivah. What laws apply to me?
Answer
Shalom u’vrachah.
According to Sephardic custom, the laws of mourning do not apply to a grandchild at all.
According to Ashkenazic custom, there are several mourning practices observed by grandchildren.
a) One may not wash in hot water. It is permitted to wash in lukewarm water, at a temperature from which one does not derive pleasure from its warmth. Likewise, someone who is accustomed to washing in hot water every Friday afternoon may wash as usual this Friday afternoon.
b) One may not listen to music.
c) One may not wear Shabbat clothing on a weekday.
d) One may not attend celebrations, such as a wedding, Sheva Berachot, or other social meals. One may attend a seudat mitzvah, such as a brit, bar mitzvah, or siyum, but may not eat there. If the seudat mitzvah is taking place in his own home, he may even eat.
These laws apply only until the first Shabbat after the burial.
The other laws of mourning are permitted.
