May an avel invite guests for Shabbos and Yom Tov?
(a) in general
(b) for purposes of kiruv
(c) if they were invited before he became an avel?
Answer:
(a) In general, the custom is to refrain from inviting guests during aveilus. This is based on the Taz (385), and the custom is noted by many later authorities (see Gesher Ha-Chaim chap. 21; Binyan Zion no. 62; Penei Baruch p. 458).
(b) For purposes of kiruv one can be lenient, because this is for a mitzvah (see for instance Minchas Shlomo Vol. 2 p. 359).
(c) This does not make a difference.
