5. Eating and doing Melacha prior to the burial:

Melacha:[1] Upon a person within the city passing away, all those who are not learning Torah must stop their work and deal with the funeral and burial of the deceased. The above only applies if the city does not contain a Chevra Kadisha, if however the city contains a Chevra Kadisha that deals with the needs of the deceased, then they may continue working until the funeral procession takes place, as explained in Chapter 8 Halacha 1C.

Eating bread-Having a set meal:[2] [On the day of burial[3]] it is forbidden for [the relatives and people of the city[4]] to eat a set meal until after the burial takes place [unless there are people who have taken charge of the burial, such as the Chevra Kadisha[5]].[6] [Nevertheless, those relatives who are coordinating the funeral/burial together with the Chevra Kadisha, are not to eat a set meal on that day. It goes without saying that the Chevra Kadisha cannot eat a set meal until after the burial.[7]]

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[1] Michaber 343:1 and 361:2; Aruch Hashulchan 343:3; Minchas Elazar 3:26; Nitei Gavriel 67:2

[2] M”A 526:21 and Taz 526:6 in name of Midrash; Lechem Hapanim 375; Chochmas Adam 170:5; Kitzur SHU”A 200:7; M”B 526:52; Nitei Gavriel 71:1

[3] Shaareiy Teshuvah 526; Misgeres Hashulchan 200:3

[4] Mor Uketzia, brought in Shaareiy Teshuvah 526; Misgeres Hashulchan 200:3

[5] Shaareiy Teshuvah 526; Misgeres Hashulchan 200:3

[6] The reason: As the verse states “Lo Sochlu Al Hadam,” which means that one should not eat until the person is buried. [Poskim ibid]

[7] Nitei Gavriel ibid