Question:
My son has been taking guitar lessons from a good friend of ours, who hasn’t been charging for the lessons. The friend is now an aveil and would like to continue the teaching. May he do so, though he’s not getting parnassa from the lessons? If that matters, may he satisfy halacha by charging a token amount for the lessons?
Thank you!
Answer:
The teacher has an issue playing the music while he is in aveilus. There is a heter for a person that needs to plat for parnassa reasons, as long as his intention is only in order to earn a livelihood. In your case however giving the person some money won’t change anything, because he doesn’t have to do because he wants to earn a livelihood.
Best wishes
Sources:
Igros Moshe O:CH 3-87, Aruch Hashulchan Y:D 391-14.
