Torah Words at a Eulogy
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Question
Is it permissible to speak words of Torah at a eulogy when the eulogy is held in a room where the deceased is present?
Answer
Although it is forbidden to speak words of Torah in a room where the deceased is present, it is permitted if they are said in honor of the deceased. Therefore, care must be taken that the eulogy is delivered in honor of the deceased and not to showcase one's oratory skills and eloquence.
Source
Talmud, Tractate Berachot, page 3b: "Rabbi Zerika said in the name of Rabbi Ami, in the name of Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi: One should not speak in front of the deceased except for his own words. Rabbi Abba bar Kahana said: This applies only to words of Torah, but worldly matters are not restricted. And some say, Rabbi Abba bar Kahana said: This applies even to words of Torah, and certainly to worldly matters."
Similarly, in Shulchan Aruch, Siman 344, paragraph 16: "One should not speak in front of the deceased except for his own words, such as the needs of his burial and eulogy; but other words are forbidden. This applies to words of Torah, but worldly matters are not restricted. Mordechai wrote that a room where the deceased is present is considered as within four cubits."
In paragraph 17: "It is permitted to recite verses and a sermon in honor of the deceased, within four cubits or at the cemetery." Taz wrote in commentary 5: "Not like those who intend to show their superiority in the sermon about the deceased, which is not in his honor, and this is not proper, and I have heard that many great people were strict about this matter."