Hesped: Difference between revisions

# However, if he is Torah giant then we don't listen to him<ref>Bet Yakov 83 writes that for a torah giant it is permitted to give them a hesped even though they requested not to have one since following their request would be a disgrace to them. The Teshuva M'ahava 1:174 recounts that the Nodeh Beyehuda ruled that they should say a hesped for the Peni Yehoshua even though he requested not to have one. He concludes that he isn't sure that there is a clear reason for this ruling. Chazon Ovadia (Aveilut v. 1 p. 273) agrees with the Bet Yakov. He cites that in practice the Chatom Sofer gave a hesped for Rabbi Akiva Eiger even though he requested not to. He cites six reasons for this ruling: (1) Perhaps there is no obligation to listen to his commands after his death except on monetary matters (Shevut Yakov 1:168). (2) It would be a disgrace to the deceased not to eulogize him (Bet Yakov 83). (3) The deceased can forgo his honor but not the honor of his relatives (Yad Shaul 344). (4) If the deceased only knew of the value of the eulogy for him in heaven he would have allowed it (Chaim Shaal 1:71:6). (5) The eulogy is a way of inspiring the masses (Shevet Shimon 344) (6) It would be a disgrace to the relatives of the deceased if there are no eulogies (HaIkarim by Rav Shlomo Eiger).</ref> and instead give him a eulogy which minimizes his praises and focuses on inspirational words.<Ref>Gesher Hachaim 1:13:3</ref>