From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Monday 21st Iyar 5785]

Jewish gravediggers:[1] It is proper to endeavor that the digging of the grave is done by a Jew. [Many Chevra Kadisha’s own a tractor which they use to perform the digging. In light of the above, the operator of the tractor is to be Jewish.[2]]

[1] Maharid Y.D. 2; Nitei Gavriel 75:6; See Ashel Avraham Butchach 342

[2] Nitei Gavriel ibid footnote 10

Where to bury a wife: If a woman chooses to be buried near her children, then her request is to be honored even though it is outside her family’s plot. If she did not give instructions, and the father desires to bury her near him, while the husband desires to bury her near him, then she is to be buried near her husband, although some understand that she is to be buried near her father.[1] If both the father and the husband state that they do not want her buried near them, she is to be buried near the husband.[2] [In all cases that she did not voice an opinion, she is buried near her husband. A divorcee, however, is to be buried by her family plot, and not by her husband.[3]]

[1] Michaber 366:3

[2] Michaber 366:4

The reason: As the husband is the one obligated in her burial. [Shach 366:4]

[3] Gesher Hachaim 27:6; See there regarding where to bury a woman who was a widow and married a second husband.

The Poskim[1] rule that one who is an enemy of a person who is ill, is not to visit him [as this can cause his condition to worsen upon him seeing his adversary].

[1] Rama 335:2 unlike Maharil who rules an enemy may visit an ill person

You should separate Challah without a blessing from the dough.

See Shach Y.D. 329:4; Beis Lechem Yehuda 329:3; Pischeiy Teshuvah 329:1; Kaf Hachaim 242:27; See Michaber Y.D. 329:1 [exempt]; Rambam Bikurim 6:12 [exempt]; Beis Yosef 329; Pesachim 37b and Tosafus there [obligated if thick]; Rashba Toras Habayis 1 and Rosh Challah 2 and in name of Ramban [exempt if deep fried]; The Poskim ibid conclude to remove without blessing and suspect for both opinions