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Correspondence

July 1969

Exchange about Halacha of Reinterment (1969)

Death & Mourning

1. Correspondent 9 to R. Lamm

1. Correspondent 9 to R. Lamm (July 2, 1969)

1. Correspondent 9 to R. Lamm (None)

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Exchange with Dr. Offenbacher about Torah Reading at House of Mourning (1976)

This is in response to your third query, whether it is permissible to set aside a sefer Torah to be used exclusively for the home of the mourners, even if the Torah will be used less than three times at each home. My answer is that I prefer that this not be done. I am told that others do permit the Torah to be used for such purposes, but I am reluctant to permit it.
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Exchange with R. Gettinger about Torah Reading at House of Mourning (1976)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: Regarding the matter of taking a Sefer Torah to a place where it will not be read for 3 readings. If you don’t have a copy of the ספר, I’d be glad to photo-copy the pages for you and send it on to you. Best regards, Emmanuel Ettinger
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Letter about the Halachic Permissibility of Reinterment (1969)

I have considered the problem you presented to me concerning the disinterment and reinterment of one of your parents. The question is rather complicated and required careful attention, and the following are my conclusions: essentially, they are not too far from each other at present, and therefore the greatest preference is for them to remain where they are without any moving. If, however, you feel very strongly about it, as I gather you do, Jewish law will, in this instance, permit a reinterment. Here again, there are questions of preference and certain conditions which must be observed. The strongest priority should go to the reinterment of your mother to a grave near your father. If this is to be done, and I repeat that it is far preferable to the other alternative, please bear the following in mind: (1) it should be done after the first anniversary of death according to the Hebrew calendar; (2) since a monument should be erected before the first anniversary, please arrange with Mr. Lipstadt to put a temporary marker on the present site and arrange for a permanent monument to be erected upon the reinterment. I repeat that if there is to be any disinterment, this is the procedure I prefer. However, if it should be decided to disinter your father, then please consult with Mr. Lipstadt about the possibility of moving the stone which now stands to the new site. You may consult me about it further. In either case, try to arrange for the reinterment to take place in the early part of the day. That entire day should be observed by the two of you as if you were in your shiva period – that is, no shaving or washing, sitting indoors on a low bench, and without leather shoes. It is also preferable that that day be observed as a fast day. In addition, the ritual of rending the garment is also observed on that day. I most strongly urge that you arrange for Mr. Lipstadt to be present and supervise the entire procedure so that it be carried out in accordance with Jewish law an…
Death & Mourning