עברית
Halachot and Customs
How long should a mourner recite Kaddish?
Question
In the year of mourning, does one say Kaddish for the full 12 months, or stop after 11 months for two weeks and then resume for the final two weeks to complete the 12 months? Thank you in advance. Albert
Answer
Greetings, According to Ashkenazi custom, the mourner ceases reciting Kaddish after 11 months (Rema Yoreh De'ah 376:4). According to Sephardi custom, the mourner recites Kaddish throughout the entire 12 months; however, in the first week of the twelfth month, one refrains from saying Kaddish for about a week, then resumes until completing the full year (Chazon Ovadiah, Aveilut III, pages 176, 178). Nonetheless, the Kaddish recited after the study of Tanakh and Tehillim, as well as after studying Mishnayot and Gemara and sayings of our Sages, including Kaddish d'Rabbanan, may be recited by the mourner during the entire 12 months (ibid., page 179, note).
Best wishes, Hillel Meirs
