- Family and Society
- Year of Mourning for Parents
1st year Yartzeit in a leap year.
Question
Dear Rabbi,
My father passed on the 30th of Sivan last year. This year is a leap year and I’m told the the mourning period ends after 12 hebrew months , which is the 29 of Iyar. I would like to know when am I supposed to have the year end Arayat. And do I do anything on the acual date of passing this year. I am Sephardic if that is needed for my answer.
Thank you in advance.
Answer
Thank you for your question. May your efforts for the memory of your late father be a blessing.
All forms of mourning end after twelve months have past, even in a leap year (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Dayah 391,2). On the date of your father's death (the 30th of Sivan) you will mark the day, which is the yarzeit. On the yarzeit one says kaddish, and some people fast. Some have the custom to visit the grave, and some communities have a memorial learning and pray service – you should try to follow the customs of your family and community.
Blessings.

Mourner attending a brit milah
Rabbi David Sperling | Tishrei 9, 5780

Yom Haatzmuot and the year of mourning
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 29, 5774

Wedding during Mourning Period
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 1, 5773

1st year memorial
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Shevat 29, 5774

Rabbi David Sperling

Cruise travel on Shabbat
Nisan 25, 5771

Tashlumin on Rosh Chodesh
Iyyar 7, 5771

1st yartziet during nissan
Adar II 9, 5771

Reheating Food in an oven on Shabbat
Adar II 24, 5771

Krill Oil
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 20, 5775

Vinegar and Davar Charif Soaking - Kavush
Rabbi David Sperling | Av 24, 5780

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

Torah vs. Tanak additions
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 4, 5783

Dairy mug and meat sponge
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Shevat 10, 5783
