Q. A woman that has a sister living in the recently collapsed building in Miami and lost all contact with her. She assumes that likely she is L’A not alive anymore as a week has already elapsed. Can she attend the Bar Mitzva of a close relative or should she abstain since she may be in Avelut already?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that as long as no identifiable remains have been found, Avelus does not begin. However, attendance to the Bar mitzva should be brief and reserved.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a