- All the Questions
proper greeting at levaya
Question
In my congregation it is customary to greet each other with the expression "auf simches" when we meet at a funeral. Is this accepted throughout the world? Where does this practice come from and what does it mean in this context?
Answer
The greeting is a combination of Yiddish and Hebrew which means "at happy occasions". It means that those who have participated in the funeral are leaving their friends blessing each other with a good omen of praying that they meet at happy occasions. In Hebrew alone it is "B'smachot". To the best of my knowledge it is accepted in most communities each one using the Hebrew, Yiddish, or a different version of the same blessing.
This greeting though is for the participants but not for the mourners themselves who are received with "Hamakom yenachem etc.."
So may your next question be "auf simches" , B'smachot a question for happier occasions.

without Hashems name
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 10, 5782

a mishna
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 16, 5782

Criticizing Israeli policy- is it allowed?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 26, 5782
priestly blessing
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Iyyar 16, 5782

Rabbi Yoel Lieberman

Jewish Learning
Av 27, 5769

Kashiring a Kettle
Av 30, 5769

Golden altar of Incense
Elul 14, 5769

is a cruise ship considered its own domain
Elul 4, 5769

Buying new things during the Omer
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5775

Kashering a dishwasher
Rabbi David Sperling | Cheshvan 23, 5778

Nails clipping and pregnancy
Rabbi David Sperling | Cheshvan 5, 5781

Shaving after Lag Ba’omer
Various Rabbis | Iyyar 23, 5768

Necktie for Jews
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Iyyar 11, 5782
priestly blessing
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Iyyar 16, 5782
Is the Ketubah valid
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Iyyar 12, 5782
