According to the Rambam, which act of kindness is considered the greatest?
The Rambam states that the reward for escorting (accompanying) guests is greater than all other acts of kindness. Welcoming guests surpasses receiving the Divine Presence, and escorting them surpasses even welcoming them.
Question 2
When should one NOT visit a sick person during the day?
We do not visit during the first three hours of the day (when the illness appears lightest and visitors may not pray earnestly) or the last three hours (when caregivers are busiest with the patient's needs).
Question 3
Which obligation takes priority when both are possible: comforting mourners or visiting the sick?
The Rambam rules that comforting mourners takes priority over visiting the sick. Comforting mourners is an act of kindness toward both the living (the mourners) and the dead — making it the greater mitzvah.
Question 4
May a corpse be moved from one grave to another?
Generally, a corpse may not be moved from grave to grave — even from a dishonorable to an honorable location. The exception: if the grave is in someone else's property, the body may be moved even from honorable to dishonorable.
Question 5
When does a garment designated as a shroud become forbidden for other uses?
Mere designation does not forbid a garment — 'hazmanah lav milta hi' (designation alone is not an act). The garment becomes forbidden only when it reaches the bier that is actually buried with the corpse.