Q. In our large Shul there is a tradition that on Zain Adar (day 7 of Adar) there is a Seuda Given in honor of the Chervra Kadisha as is also customary in other places. The Seuda is open for all Shul members to attend, and to give honor and recognize the members of the Chervra Kadisha who sacrifice their time and effort and take care of the dead. Is this Seuda a Seudat Mitzva Chervra Kadisha that one should participate?
A. On question 3550 regarding the proper traditional way for a Chevra Kadisha to comply with Zain Adar, we wrote:
“There are different Minhagim and traditions particular to different communities and groups. Some have the custom of fasting and saying a special prayer or Tikun for the Seventh of Adar
It is also customary in many communities for the Chevrah Kadisha to observe the Seventh of Adar as a day of gathering for its members. A festive banquet is held and in some congregations the entire community participates. Rabbonim and community leaders attend and Gabaim and other leading members are appointed.
Changing times may demand new rulings and regulations that have to be compatible with Halacha to be debated and adopted for the coming year.”
Since the seuda is given for the most important recognition and encouragement of the great and sometimes very difficult work that the Chervra Kadisha accomplishes and besides, Divrei Torah and drashot are usually said by the attending Rabbanim, it is a Seudat Mitzva and one should participate.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a
Important Numbers
