From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Monday 19th Shevat 5785]

No.

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If the Avel during Shiva comes to Shul to Daven, is Tachanun to be recited?

If the Avel during Shiva comes to Shul to Daven, is Tachanun to be recited?

No, one is not required according to Jewish law to bury 6 feet underground. In fact, there is no source for any minimum depth in Halacha, although there are different customs ranging from 10 Tefachim [80 cm] to 1.7 meters [slightly less than 6 feet, Six feet is about 1.83 meters, which equals 183 centimeters]. Interestingly, I have not found any source which mentions a depth of 6 feet and the closest is the custom of the Kabbalists for it to be 1.7 m [5.58 feet]. To also note that the feet measurement system did not exist in Jewish literature which follows Amos, so the notion that it would say somewhere to bury 6 feet into the ground is preposterous. At most, it would state and Ama or meter measurement that may add up to that amount. So here then does it come from? “Six feet under” comes from the traditional depth at which many graves were dug across various cultures and religions, including Christian tradition to ensure bodies were well-covered and to prevent animals from uncovering them and help contain disease. The phrase became a metaphor for death or burial over time. However, it is not a Halachic requirement.

See Gesher Hachaim 16:4 who suggests the following depths 1) 1.25 m and more as the standard practice; 2) Ten Tefachim [80 cm] and more in order so it be considered its own domain; 3) Jerusalem custom for it to be between 1.3 – 1.4 meters. 4) Kabbalists who instructed it to be 1.7 m.; Darkei Chesed 17:12; See Arizal in Shaar Hagilgulim Hakdama 23 that the grave must be dug deep, in order for there to be room for the shaking process of Chibut Hakever to transpire.

Practically, no unless the bread is not 100% baked and further baking is of benefit, and even then, the matter is under debate.

Re-warming Pas Akum bread

If the Yahrzeit is during Nissan:^[1] If the Yahrzeit[2] is during the month of Nissan, then some^[3] are accustomed to visit the grave on Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan.

^[1] Nitei Gavriel Pesach 3/8 [p. 54]; Aveilus 76:17; 83:8-9

[2] Vetzaruch Iyun regarding the Shloshim and end of 12 months if one should go the day before or the day after.

[3] See Nitei Gavriel ibid; Gesher Hachaim 1 p. 259; Directive of Rebbe to asker to visit the Kever on Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan, brought in Hiskashrus 609:18, Shulchan Menachem 5:329

Spitting at all in front of people is forbidden due to it not being Derech Eretz even when not intended against an individual. All the more so is spitting at someone with intent of hurting them or intimidating them forbidden due to Boshes and Ona’as Devarim. If he is a G-d fearing Jew who will go to Beis Din or to your local Mara Diasra, then you can take him to Beis Din. If not, and the individual will refuse to cooperate with a Rav or Beis Din, then you may have an assault case in your hands and you should speak to a lawyer. Whatever the case, first speak to your Mara Deasra about the individual and get his advice.

From the Rav’s Desk: Shaming liability-Must a shamer pay you compensation

See https://shulchanaruchharav.com/halacha/from-the-ravs-desk-shaming-liability-must-a-shamer-pay-you-compensation/

Public decorum regulations in Halacha-Performing appalling acts in front of other people

May a body be buried in an over ground structure [i.e. Mausoleums; Kevurat “Komot”; Rama, Sanhedrin cave burials]?