Attending Concert While Husband is Sitting Shivah

Question

My father-in-law died. I was never close to him, and he was sick in a nursing home for many years. My husband is sitting shiva now. I have tickets to a concert. He says he is okay with me going. Is it permitted for me to go to the concert with a friend while my husband is sitting shiva?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s loss. Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father-in-law. May Hashem comfort your husband and his entire family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

    The accepted Ashkenazic custom is not to go to something like a concert when a spouse is sitting Shivah. I, personally, would suggest that you not attend the concert. However, if there is a very pressing reason why you feel that you should go, it is okay.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team

  2. chow mow 13
    August 21, 2023 at 10:04 pm

    Yes, there is a pressing reason. My husband paid a lot of money for the tickets to this concert. Obviously he recognizes he cannot go, but it is his wish that I go with someone else in order to not lose out on the cost of the tickets.

  3. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team
    August 22, 2023 at 5:33 am

    If so then I think that you should follow your husband’s wishes and go to the concert.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team