Concealing the Death from the Mother
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Question
Is it permissible to conceal from an elderly woman that her son has passed away to prevent her distress, even if knowing would not harm her health?
Answer
It is permissible to conceal from a person that their relative has passed away, even if knowing of the death would not harm their health, provided that no falsehood is spoken. It is said about someone who speaks of a death unnecessarily: "He who spreads slander is a fool."
Source
It is written in Mordechai and Hagahot Maimoniot, and cited by the Shulchan Aruch, Siman 282, Seif 12: "One whose relative has died and he does not know, it is not obligatory to inform him; even if it is his father or mother; and about this it is said: 'He who spreads slander is a fool' (Proverbs 10:18). It is permissible to invite him to an engagement, wedding, or any celebration, since he does not know. However, if he asks about him, one should not lie and say: 'He is alive,' as it is said: 'Keep far from a false matter' (Exodus 23:7)."
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