- Q. Dear Rov we just lost our aunt (and great-aunt) who you knew well. And since she lived in a different country, we have a number of questions.
Can someone comply with the mitzva of Nichum Avelim (comforting the mourners) when they are seating Shiva or subsequent mourning for a dear one, and one is unable to travel by just sending an email?
If possible, can one email be sent to all the avelim or a personal one should be sent to each separately?
A. Igrois Moshe, (OH 4:40:11), Be’er Moshe 2:106; Rivevos Ephraim 3:610, and others maintain that one can comply with the mitzva of Nichum Avelim by phone. See also Pachad Yitzchak, Igrot #33.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s shlit’a opinion is that it is better call by phone than to just send an email, as it is more personal and communicative when a dialogue connection is established. It is also better to console each avel separately when possible.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a