Which mourning practice IS performed on Chol HaMoed (intermediate festival days)?
Keriah (tearing the garment) is performed on Chol HaMoed, as is baring the shoulder and bringing bread of comfort. However, the bier is not left in the street, the mourner's blessing is not recited, and eulogies for ordinary people are forbidden.
Question 2
Under what circumstances may a Torah scholar be eulogized on Chol HaMoed?
A Torah scholar may be eulogized on Chol HaMoed but only in his presence — before burial. Once buried, even a sage cannot be eulogized on a festival. The day his death is reported is treated as if he is present.
Question 3
A mourner's parent dies during the seven wedding days. What happens?
The seven wedding days have the legal status of a festival. Even the death of one's parents does not terminate them. The mourner completes all seven days of celebration, then begins shiva, counting sheloshim from after the wedding week.
Question 4
Why is a eulogy discouraged within 30 days before a festival?
The Rambam explains that a person is not forgotten within 30 days of death. Holding a eulogy within 30 days before a festival risks having the festival arrive while people are still overcome with grief, contradicting the joy required on Yom Tov.
Question 5
On Yom Tov itself (not Chol HaMoed), what mourning acts are performed?
On Yom Tov itself — including the second day of Yom Tov — none of the mourning observances apply: no keriah, no baring of shoulders, no bread of comfort. These apply only on Chol HaMoed.