Farewell Party During the Year of Mourning
Question
A colleague is retiring, and we, her parallel colleagues, about 10 teachers, want to hold a farewell party for her. In what manner is this permitted?
If it is permitted and there is food, is it permitted to eat in another room?
Singing—is it permitted to participate in singing without musical instruments?
Answer
Shalom u'vrachah
I assume that the questioner is in her year of mourning.
It is forbidden to participate in a social meal during the year of mourning, even without eating, and not in singing either.
However, if they make a “program” and the like, it is permitted to participate.
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