[Avodah] Two Adars

[Professor L. Levine]

>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis:


Q. This year there are two months of Adar. When is a yahrtzeit (the anniversary of a parent’s death) observed? In the first Adar or the second? Also, thirteen years ago there was only one Adar. When does a boy born at that time celebrate his Bar Mitzvah, during the first Adar or the second?



A. With respect to a yahrtzeit, there is a dispute between the Mechaber and Rama (568:7). According to the Mechaber, if a person passed away in a year where there is only one Adar, the yahrtzeit is observed in the second Adar (in those years that have two months of Adar). Rama cites two opinions: 1) it should be observed in the first Adar, or 2) one should be stringent and observe it in both Adars. Mishna Berura (568:42) states that the custom is to observe yahrtzeit in the first Adar, however he cites the position of the Vilna Gaon that it should be observed in both Adars.

Regarding a Bar Mitzvah, Rama (55:10) rules that it is observed in the second Adar. Mishna Berura (55:45) explains that the first Adar is an add-on month, while the second Adar is primary. Appropriately, the Bar Mitzvah occurs in the authentic month of Adar, which is Adar Sheini (the second).

There is a striking and obvious question. Why does Rama hold that a yahrtzeit is observed in the first Adar, while a Bar Mitzvah is observed in the second? Whichever Adar is primary for yahrtzreit should be primary for Bar Mitzvahs as well. Particularly surprising is that the source of both rulings is the same posek, the renowned Mahari Mintz. The answer to this question is beyond the scope of this article. See Teshuvos Mahari Mintz 9 and Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah III 160 for possible resolutions.


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