NOT TAKING DISHES FROM HOUSE OF MOURNING

If a gift of food is brought to the house of mourning, some believe that the dish must not be taken back.

This practice is not specifically mentioned in the rabbinic literature. It is, however, reminiscent of a somewhat broader idea that has had some vague mention. Akiba Eger, of Posen (early eighteenth century), in his notes to Yore Deah 376, says that it is a custom not to take any article from the house of mourning during the seven-day period of Shivah. Eger explains this on the basis of the “spirit of uncleanness” (Ruach Ha-Tumah), which rests on everything in the house of mourning during the first week.

Abraham Hirshowitz, in his complete compendium on the custom (“Ozar Kol Minhagey Yeshurun,” #4, p. 302), is not satisfied with this explanation, on the ground that the spirit of uncleanness would hardly depart precisely at seven days. He therefore offers a more rationalistic expla-nation, namely, that the articles in the house of mourning will soon have to be divided among the heirs, and if something is borrowed or taken, the heirs will be deprived, since borrowed articles are frequently forgotten. Although Hirshowitz has made a praiseworthy attempt to give a sober explanation for the custom, nevertheless, considering the widespread belief of the “spirit of uncleanness” in relation to death, Eger’s explanation seems more consistent with the usual folkloristic mood. At all events, it is hardly mentioned anywhere else even as a custom, and has no status in Jewish law or tradition.