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Holding a child:[1]
An Avel is not to hold a baby in his chest throughout the Shiva.[2] [Some Poskim[3] however rule that this prohibition only applies if one will be holding the baby for an extensive period of time. After the Shiva, it is permitted to hold a child even though it remains prohibited for the Avel to rejoice.[4]]
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Q&A May an Avel during Shiva hold a baby on Shabbos?[5] It requires further analysis if the above prohibition applies also on Shabbos. May an Avel during Shiva hold a baby in order to feed him, or do another chore with him? Yes.
May an Avel hold a baby in order to calm him down?[6] Yes. May an Avel sing a lullaby to a baby in order to calm him down?[7] Yes. May a comforter bring a baby to the Shiva home? One is to avoid doing so, if possible. |
[1] Michaber 391:1; Moed Katan 26b
[2] The reason: As an Avel is forbidden to rejoice during Shiva and if he holds the child in can lead to laughter and enjoyment. [ibid] The Gemara ibid adds that doing so can lead the Avel to being belittled in the eyes of the public.
[3] Salmas Chaim Y.D. 426; Nitei Gavriel 113:9
[4] Michaber ibid “during Shiva”; Bach 391; See Pnei Baruch 20 footnote 2
[5] Nitei Gavriel 113 footnote 16
[6] Nitei Gavriel 113:9
[7] Minhagei Maharash, teacher of Maharim 523; Nitei Gavriel 113:10
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