The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch states in Siman 192:9: “If a close relative of the patient dies, he should not be told about it, lest he become distressed.”

Halacha (Jewish law) dictates that the life of a sick person is so important that one must not share with them most upsetting news, such as death of a loved one, so as not to create distress and exacerbate their illness.

Modern technology and social media create an unavoidable problem. Unless said sick person lives under a rock, can you actually shelter them from upsetting news? Surely not. So what is there to do?

“When you are suffering (in grief) speak about that suffering.”

Sefer HaMiddot, Atzvut. חלק ראשון גי

To me, the only way we can do our best to uphold the spirit of this Mitzvah is to encourage those that are ill to speak openly about their grief and despair even while experiencing their own illness and turmoil. Giving someone the opportunity to unburden themselves emotionally can literally lighten their load and even promote healing in the process.

We can no longer shelter one another from the painful news of the day but we can make ourselves available to receive and carry their burden with them. Just as the Midrash states the the Ribono Shel Olam cries with us in times of sadness, so too we must emulate Him (so to speak) in making space for one another’s tears as well. For when we share space with one another in healing and companionship we too are facilitators of healing and health for our patients and ourselves.