Mourning for parents

Hello,

The reason that one mourns for parents for a year, but for other relatives for only 30 days, is because of the obligation to honour one's parents.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 1:255)

Have a good day,
Mordechai

When a mourner removes his shoes

Hi,

We said here that the prohibition against a mourner wearing leather shoes begins after burial.

In general, all of the laws of mourning begin when the grave is covered with dirt. However, one need not remove his leather shoes until arriving home from the cemetery. Many do remove their shoes at the cemetery, though.

(Code of Jewish Law Yoreh Deah 375:1)

Have a good day,
Mordechai

Mishloach Manot

Hi,

There is a Mitzvah to send two gifts of food to at least one friend on Purim day, as the Megilah says, 'And sending portions, one to another.' The portions should be ready to eat, and appropriate for consumption at the Purim feast, since one of the purposes of this Mitzvah is to help augment people's Purim feasts. This is called "Mishloach Manot" (lit. sending portions).

Wine counts as one of the 'foods' for this Mitzvah.

Women and men have separate obligations to fulfill the Mitzvot of Purim. Therefore, each spouse should make sure to give to the poor and to send gifts of food to friends on Purim day.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 695:4; Mishneh Berurah 695:20)

A mourner does send "Mishloach Manot," gifts of food, to a friend to fulfill this Purim Mitzvah.
However, others should not send Mishloach Manot to a mourner.

"Mourner" refers to one who is within the year after losing a parent, or one who is within 30 days after losing a spouse, sibling or child. May we know only happy occasions, and see no mourning.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 696:6)

Have a great day,
Mordechai