Comforting mourners by telephone

Hi,

The mitzvah of comforting the mourner [nichum aveilim] incorporates three components:
1) Benefiting the mourner;
2) Honouring the mourner;
3) Visiting the place of the deceased.

One who telephones rather than visits does fulfill the first, but not the latter two. Further, one can cause greater benefit by visiting in person. Therefore, calling is viewed as less than ideal, although one does fulfill aspects of the mitzvah.

(R' Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:40:11)

Have a good day,
Mordechai