Can the heirs of a deceased person override his wish to not be eulogized?
If the deceased explicitly instructed that no eulogy be given, his wish is respected and no eulogy is recited. However, if he instructed that he not be buried, that instruction is not followed — burial is a Torah commandment.
Question 2
What is the minimum number of participants for a ma'amad u'moshav (rising and sitting ritual)?
A ma'amad u'moshav requires at least ten men. The mourners themselves are not counted in the ten. This rite is performed seven times, only on the first day of mourning, at the cemetery, and only in communities where it is customary.
Question 3
At what age does a child of a poor family merit being eulogized?
Children of poor families or elderly parents merit a eulogy from age 5. Children of wealthy families are eulogized from age 6. This reflects their greater degree of social impact and educational investment. Both boys and girls are treated equally.
Question 4
When gathering the bones of parents, how long does one mourn?
When gathering a parent's bones, mourning is observed for that entire day only. In the evening, even if the bones are still wrapped in the mourner's sheet, mourning ceases. No dirges are recited.
Question 5
When a corpse's coffin is moved from place to place and the spine is intact, what rites apply?
When the coffin is moved and the spine is intact, all funeral rites apply: a line of comfort, the mourners' blessing, and a eulogy — even if the bones are moved after twelve months. Without the spine, none of these rites apply.