Question:
Is one allowed to give or receive gifts during the sheloshim for a parent. What is considered a gift? Can an avel send a cake to a neighbor to express one’s appreciation for a favor?
Answer:
An ovel is not supposed to receive gifts as it is like greeting and saying “shalom”. If an ovel wants to send a cake to a neighbor as an expression of appreciation not a problem.
Sources:
O:CH 696:7, Y:D 385:3
