The festivities on our calendar cancel the seven-day mourning period, even if this mourning has been practiced only briefly before the beginning of the festivity (which, as we know, begins at sunset). Therefore, when the passing occurred before one of the following festivities: Pesach, Sukkot, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur, and the burial took place within the seven days prior to the festivity, and the mourners (Avelim) began their mourning at least a few moments before the festivity begins, the seven-day mourning period is canceled. During the festivity, the mourners cannot display any sign of mourning, and the prohibitions established for the seven days do not apply. According to Sephardic Halakha, washing oneself is done after Yom Tov begins.
The days of the festivity are counted as part of the thirty days. The exception is for mourning a father or mother, for whom the thirty days must be effectively completed before shaving or getting a haircut.
This is the summary of the calculation of the 30 days when the burial takes place before the beginning of the festivity:
Pesach
- The mourning practiced before the festivity is counted as seven days.
- The eight days of Pesach are added to the seven.
- Another fifteen days of mourning remain to complete the thirty days.
Shabuot
- The mourning practiced before the festivity is counted as seven days.
- The first day of Shabuot is counted as another seven days.
- The second day of Shabuot marks day 15th.
- Another fifteen days remain to complete the 30.
Sukkot
- The mourning practiced before the festivity is counted as seven days.
- The seven days of the festivity are added to the mentioned seven.
- The day of Shemini Atzeret is counted as another seven days.
- The day of Simchat Tora marks day 22.
- Another eight days remain to complete the 30.
Rosh Hashanah
- The mourning practiced before Rosh Hashanah is counted as seven days.
- At the end of Yom Kippur, the 30 days are completed.
Yom Kippur
- The mourning practiced before Kippur is counted as seven days.
- At the end of the festivity of Shemini Atzeret, the 30 days are completed.
CANCELLATION OF 30 DAYS
If one was within the count of the thirty days of mourning (once the seven days were completed) for a relative who is not the father or mother, the beginning of a major festivity cancels the 30-day mourning. And in this case, the mourner (Abel) is allowed to shave before the festivity, that is, on the eve of the festivity. Except for the case of the father or mother, for whom the thirty days must be effectively counted by the children in mourning before shaving or getting a haircut.
If the death occurred during the festivity (on Yom Tov), the seven days begin to be counted only once the festivity ends.
As During the festivity, the laws of Onen and the normal prohibitions of mourning (Abelut) do not apply. However, the Abelim must observe the norms of intimate mourning as on the Shabbat of the seven days.
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The mourning and festivities
The major festivities on our calendar cancel the seven-day mourning period, even if this mourning has been practiced only for a brief moment before the start of the festivity (which begins with sunset). Therefore, when the death occurs before one of the following holidays: Passover, Sukkot, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur, and the burial takes place within the seven days prior to the holiday, so that the mourners began their mourning at least for a moment before the holiday begins, the seven-day mourning period is canceled. In this case, the behavior of the mourners during the holiday should be normal and the prohibitions established for the seven days do not apply.
The days of the holiday, with the exception of mourning for a father or mother, are counted as part of the thirty days.
- This is the summary of the calculation of the 30 days when the burial takes place before the beginning of the holiday: Passover
- Mourning practiced before the holiday is counted as seven days.
- The 8 days of Passover are added to the seven.
- There are another 15 days left to complete the 30. Shavuot
- Mourning practiced before the holiday is counted as seven days.
In the case of mourning for a father or mother, for all cases, the 30 days must be effectively counted and there must be a social demand (Gueara) to cut hair or shave.
- If the death occurred during the holiday (on Yom Tov), the seven days begin to be counted once the holiday is over.
During the holiday, the laws of Onen and the usual mourning prohibitions do not apply. However, the mourners must observe the rules of private mourning as on the Shabbat of the seven days.
A tearing (Keria) must be done, in this case, once the festivity is over.
- When a person passes away or is buried during Chol HaMoed (the intermediate days of Passover or Sukkot), the burial ceremony is carried out normally, performing the tearing (Keria) there; however, upon arriving home, the mourners must change their mourning clothes since mourning during these days is private, as indicated for the Shabbat of the seven days (see previous Halacha). The Seudat Habraa (meal of condolence) must also be carried out, but not with the usual foods (eggs, lentils, etc.), instead with coffee or tea accompanied by cookies or pastries. Once the Seudat Habraa is finished, mourning is suspended until the holiday is over, and only then the seven days begin to be counted. During the holiday, mourning is private, as previously explained.
- If the burial was during Chol HaMoed of Sukkot, the day of Shemini Atzeret should be counted as a single day for the purpose of counting the thirty days (see note 47 here).
- The last day of Yom Tov (Yom Tov Sheni Shel Galuyot), although mourning is not practiced on it, is counted as the first of the seven days of mourning.
- When thirty-one days have passed after the burial of a father or mother during Chol HaMoed and there was social reproach, the mourner is allowed to shave or cut their hair during Chol HaMoed.
