Visiting a Cemetery on Hannuka

Visiting a Cemetery on Hannuka Day: Thursday Date: December 11, 2014 Parshat: Vayeshev Yalkut Yosef: 670 The custom is for women not to do Melacha other than cooking and similar necessary Melachot for the first half hour the Hannuka candles are lit. The reason for this custom is to serve as a reminder to everyone that the light of the Hannuka candles may not be used for any purpose. Since Hannuka is a joyous time it is forbidden to fast, even for a Yahrzeit. Instead one who wants to fast should do so before or push it off until after. It is also improper to visit a cemetery, especially of a recently deceased person, during Hannuka since that usually goes along with sadness and eulogizing which is also not done during Hannuka. One who wants to visit the grave of a Hacham may rely on those Poskim who allow it. The DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org