Are funerals permitted on the second days of the Jewish festivals?
Orthodox Jews who follow the Lithuanian customs of Eastern Europe abide by the restrictions set forth by Horav Hagoan Rabbi Moshe Feinstein. Reb Moshe, as he was best known, wrote a letter to Hillel Jacobson, the Executive Director of the United Hebrew Community of New York, in 1971 that second day funerals are entirely prohibited lest people violate holiday travel and other religious restrictions. The entire letter and its English translation can be read on this site. In the Jewish calendar there are six days of the year that comprise the Second Days. They are the second and last day of Passover, the second day of Succot, Simchat Torah, and the second day of Shevuot. Both Chasidic and Sefardi Jews follow other customs and rules originating from their country or city of origin. They, too, strictly enforce who is permitted to attend a funeral. Normally, they allow second day burials with only the minimum number of people who are required and who know the religious constrains to attend.
