Reply To: Nichum availim from a distance

I asked a shailah, because I thought they could not talk on the phone (they can). So I call, and say exactly what I would if I were there in person. I also ask if they have people with them, ebcause if so, I don’t want to take their time when people are trying to be menacheim aveil, so in that case, I will make the call very quick, and often follow it with a more extensive condolence letter that week.