- Q. See question above. Can one name a Shaliach (an agent) that represents him, and is traveling to where the shiva takes place and thus comply with the mitzva. Is the above better than just calling or sending an email? If an e-mail was sent should it be posted at the shiva so that all other visitors can see it?
A. We must mention that our Sages teach that Hashem Himself first performed the mitzva of Nichum aveilim when He visited and comforted Yitzchak Avinu after the death of Avraham Avinu (Sotah 14a).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s shlit’a opinion is that whatever expresses more clearly and eloquently the feelings of sharing the loss, bereavement and mourning with the mourner or mourners is part of this great mitzva, therefore the question above depends on the particular circumstances of each case.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
Important Numbers
