- Q. Dearest Rabbi. I’m a member of a small but much needed Bikur Cholim group in our small community.
We visit usually on Sundays the sick in hospitals and homes. We also bring some much needed and appreciated candies and chocolates (only for some, and by medical attendants consent). Is that permitted during the Nine Days?
A. On question 3811 - (Delicate Flowers) we wrote:
“I visit weekly a seriously sick patient in hospital. To convey some cheer, I usually bring some flowers. Can that be done during the Nine Days?
On question 3266 regarding bringing flowers to a nonreligious grandmother for her birthday during the Nine Days; we wrote:
“On question 3260 regarding one that buys flowers for home every Friday, reading material and even candies Lik’vod (in honor of) Shabbos, if he should also do so for Shabbos Chazon, (Shabbos before Tisha Beav), we wrote:
“As mentioned in a question above, Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 551: 2) rules that from Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha Beav one should avoid a ‘Binyan Shel Simcha’ or building a structure dedicated mainly for pleasure and joy, and that includes planting flora and trees dedicated for those purposes.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although it is not exactly the same as planting new flowers, it is still better to avoid even just buying them for Shabbos Chazon.”
However, in this case due to the most important issues involved, Horav Aharon Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the flowers can be given.” The same should apply in our 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
