For which relatives is a person obligated to mourn by Torah law?
Torah law requires mourning for six relatives: father, mother, son, daughter, paternal brother, and paternal sister. Spouse and maternal half-siblings were added by rabbinic ordinance.
Question 2
Why is a kohen compelled to contract ritual impurity for his deceased wife?
The rabbis decreed that a kohen's wife is like a met mitzvah (unattended corpse) since he is her sole heir and no one else would tend to her burial. He is therefore compelled to become impure for her.
Question 3
When does a kohen's obligation to become impure for a relative end?
The obligation to become impure lasts only until the grave is sealed. After that, the relative's grave is treated like any other corpse, and the kohen would receive lashes for becoming impure.
Question 4
A husband is in mourning. For which of his wife's relatives does he observe mourning in her presence?
Out of respect for his wife, a husband observes mourning in her presence only for her father and mother. He does not mourn with her for other relatives such as her siblings or children.
Question 5
May a kohen become impure for a relative whose family connection is doubtful?
The verse 'to her shall he become impure' teaches that priestly impurity applies only to confirmed relatives — not doubtful ones. This includes cases of mixed-up children or uncertain paternity.