Note 186 — II. OUR DUTIES. (continued 4)

The usual formula is, “May the Almighty comfort you together with those who mourn for Zion and Jerusalem.” These words are addressed to the mourners when they return from the grave to the Hall, while passing the line (‏שורה‎) formed by those present, and are repeated during the week of mourning, especially on Friday evening when the mourners enter the Synagogue. When the Service is over, the mourners return home, and partake of a meal prepared for them by friends or neighbours (‏סעודת הבראה‎). In days of old wine was taken on that occasion (Kethubhoth 8b), but this custom, like several others, has dropped into oblivion. In the Grace the section which begins ‏ובנה‎ “And build,” is modified during the week of mourning in order to give expression to the sentiments of the mourners. ↑