Eulogy:
Eulogies are forbidden to be given during Chol Hamoed, and hence one does not eulogize the Niftar.[1] One may not even recite words of praise for the Niftar, as doing so can lead to eulogizing him.[2] However one may say words of Torah to arouse the public.[3] Some Poskim[4] lean to permit the Aveilim of the Niftar to recite a Hesped, although practically this is not the accepted ruling.[5]
[1] Michaber O.C. 547:1 and Y.D. 401:1
Is this prohibition Biblical or Rabbinical? This matter is disputed in Poskim. Some rule it is Biblically forbidden while others rule it is Rabbinically forbidden. [Daas Torah 547]
[2] M”A 547:8
Seemingly the definition of a eulogy to is to bemoan the loss of the person, to state his greatness and praises and bemoan this loss, such as to say “Woe onto us that we have lost such a great man of stature who would do Mitzvos with such care”
Other Poskim: Some Poskim rule that one may recite words of praise as we do not prohibit matters that may lead to Hesped if they involve Kevod Hameis. [Derushei Tzelach 31, brought in Nitei Gavriel 52 footnote 18]
[3] See Nitei Gavriel 52:6
[4] Igros Moshe 1:165 leans to permit it on basis that they are obligated in crying for the first three days, and even women are Meonos during the Moed [Michaber 547:2] although he concludes with a Tzaruch Iyun.
[5] Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 12:17 footnote 30; Rav Yaakov Roza negated the opinion of Igros Moshe and told me there is no way he can allow a Hesped during the Moed even for one of the sons.
