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<p style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0">From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis:</p>
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<p><strong><strong>Q. This year there are two months of Adar. When is a <em>yahrtzeit</em> (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?</strong></strong></p>
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<p>A. With respect to a <em>yahrtzeit</em>, 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
<em>yahrtzeit</em> 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 <em>yahrtzeit</em> in the first Adar, however he cites the position of the Vilna Gaon that it should be observed in both Adars.</p>
<p>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 <em>Sheini</em> (the second).</p>
<p>There is a striking and obvious question. Why does Rama hold that a <em>yahrtzeit</em> is observed in the first Adar, while a Bar Mitzvah is observed in the second? Whichever Adar is primary for
<em>yahrtzreit</em> should be primary for Bar Mitzvahs as well. Particularly surprising is that the source of both rulings is the same
<em>posek</em>, 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.</p>
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