For donations Click Here

Mechilah before Ten

IS THERE ANY POINT IN ASKING MECHILA BEFORE A MINYAN FROM ANYONE I MAY HAVE WRONGED WHO IS DECEASED OR THE NAMES ARE ME’ACEV?

Answer:

There is a custom of gathering ten people and asking mechilah from somebody who is deceased.

However, the name is required for this matter, or at least some reference to a specific person. There is no point in referring to “anybody who I have wronged” without having something specific in mind.

Best wishes.

Sources:

See Shulchan Aruch 606, and see Piskei Teshuvos (606:5) concerning the need for ten people besides the person asking mechilah.

The Aruch HaShulchan (606:4) explains the reason for the gathering since the Shechinah dwells among ten people. See also Peri Megadim (Eshel Avraham 7) who explains that this is similar to a Zimun ceremony. According to this nine people apart from the person requesting mechilah are sufficient.

However, see Shut Rav Pe’alim (2:62) who explains that ten are required to publicize the matter, explaining that ten women are also effective. According to this one would require ten aside from the person requesting mechilah.

According to all opinions, it appears that the ceremony will be pointless without having a specific person and wrong in mind.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *