Birthday in the Year of Mourning | Sheilot

Birthday in the Year of Mourning

Question

Hello, our father is in the year of mourning, and we want to organize a family gathering for his birthday so that everyone comes to his home. Is it permissible to do this in the year of mourning? And is there a preference to do it on Rosh Chodesh?

Answer

Hello

There is no prohibition against holding a family gathering in the year of mourning, but according to Ashkenazi custom, it is forbidden to hold a feast. 

It is permissible to serve light refreshments.

There is no preference for Rosh Chodesh, as mourning is observed even on Rosh Chodesh.

Answered 18 June 2023 How answers are reviewed
Answered by
Answers questions at Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Smicha "Yoreh-Yoreh" (2012), Rav Amram Fried's Beit Horaah
Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah
About the Rabbi

Source

Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah 391

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