Mourner Wearing New Clothes

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I am in mourning for my mother this year. Am I allowed to buy new clothes if I have a need for them?

The Aish Rabbi Replies

I’m sorry for the loss of your mother. You may buy new clothes in cases of necessity (not very fancy, just what you need). You should then have someone else wear them first before you put them on. Although some sources say that they should be worn by someone else for 2-3 days first, the common custom is that less than an hour is sufficient. This applies both during the first 30 days for all close relatives and for the entire year for your parents. (Underwear and socks can also be bought if needed, and for such it’s not necessary for someone else to wear them first.)

Shoes are not considered a “garment” at all and so may be purchased after the first 30 days.

(Source: Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 389:1,3, Shach 4, Aruch HaShulchan O.C. 551:18, Gesher HaChaim I 22:2-3, Mourning in Halachah 23:11.)

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