Linked Together

The Rambam seems to link together the 2 laws that a mourner
* may not wear Tefilin on the first day of mourning &
* he may not eat of his own food , others need to bring food.

What is the connection ?

Perhaps it is due to the concept - if there is no Torah , there is no food.
Since he may not wear Tefilin the crown which also represents Torah & he may not study regular Torah , thus he is also limited in using his own food.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Choosing

If one has a choice of the Mitzva to comfort a mourner or visit one who is ill , which comes first ?

Rambam 14:7 - says comforting is first because it is a kindness to the living and the departed one.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Five Rules

The Rambam continues with 5 rules that apply for all 30 days -

No haircuts -

No wearing new or like new clothing.

Not to get married

Not to attend parties

& No business trips
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

Eleven Rules

There are 11 rules that apply to a mourner for the first 7 days -

No haircuts
No laundry
No bathing or using lotions
No marital relations
No leather shoes
No work
To limit Torah study
Turn down beds - which does not apply now
Wrap the head - which does not apply
Greetings of peace.

Rambam 5:1.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com

A Speaking Lesson

The Rambam 5:20 of the laws of mourning says we learn from the restriction the Torah & the Sages impose on a mourner to refrain from greetings of Peace how careful we should be with our words.
For sure he may not speak excessively or joke around !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.
www.GemsofTorah.com