Q. I was close to a big Talmid Chochom who was recently niftar. When there was a medical issue (or other issue) in the family, I used to go ask him for a bracha, as the Gemara says "Yeileich Aitzel Chochom". Is there an inyan for me to now go his wife, because Aishes Chover K'chover, and she has a portion in his Zechus Hatorah?
A. Poskim debate whether the principle of honoring an Eishes Chover Kechover is only a reflection and outcome from the honor due to her husband the Chover, or it is a claim and mitzva due to her on her own right, as being at least a Machzekes and supporter of Torah.
Gesher Hachaim (2: 9: 4) recounts a case of an Eishes Chover's, the wife of one of the Gedolim's Levaya in Yerushalaim during Chanuka, on which a leading Rabbi ruled that no Hespedim should be said, since they are only permitted on those days for the Sage himself or 'Chochom Befonov." He mentioned that the Eishes Chover. would not meet that criteria. However, Horav Yechiel Michel Tikotinsky zt'l disagreed and ruled that the Kevod Hatorah is hers and on her own right and behalf.
Therefore Sdei Chemed (1: Alef: 140) and other Poskim rule that Eishes Chover Kechover applies even after the death of the Chover.
We also read (Shoftim 5: 24) that Devorah gave a blessing to Yael as mentioned Minashim Baohel Tevarech.
Shaarei Tzion quoting Horav Chaim Kanievsky Shlit'a (Hilchos Eishes Chover 23 p. 279) mentions that we do consider their opinion, when it carries true Torah value.
In your case, since you are dealing with an Almanah or widow also, there is an additional mitzva of providing comfort and consolation.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a.
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