Halachot and Customs
Saying Kaddish in the Week Before the Memorial Date
Question
Hello, honored rabbi,
My father passed away on the 29th of Av, which this year falls on Friday, August 10. My question is: when am I supposed to say Kaddish in synagogue, and when am I supposed to go up to the grave? I know that usually Kaddish is said throughout the entire week preceding the yahrzeit; is that correct, and if so, from when am I supposed to say Kaddish?
Thank you in advance, honored rabbi
Answer
Hello,
1. That is correct. According to the custom of the Sephardim, Kaddish is begun from the night of Shabbat before the day of death until the day of death, inclusive (Chazon Ovadia, Mourning, part 3, page 195).
However, the custom of the Ashkenazim is to say Kaddish only on the day of the yahrzeit itself (Rema, Yoreh Deah, siman 376, section 4).
2. Go up to the grave on Friday, 29 Av.
Good tidings,
Hillel Meirs
