- Torah and Jewish Thought
- Observing Mitzvot & Repentence
Better to attend Brit Milah or Shiva house
Question
If one has the opportunity to attend either a Brit Milah or a shiva house (but not both), which is preferable?
Answer
Going to Minachim Avel, a Shiva house is a great Mitzvah, it is included in the Mitzvah of "Ve'ahavta Le're'acha kamocha", loving a fellow Jew as you love yourself ("The Chafetz Chaim" in his book "Ahavt Chesed").
However attending a Brit Milah ceremony is not a Mitzvah by itself (Except of the Mitzvah of "Gmilut Chasadim' by making someone happy).
I think you should go to the Shiva house.
May we hear only of Smachot.
Rabbi Yitzchak Grinblat