Leap Year - Yahrtzeit Observance

QUESTION: 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? 

ANSWER: 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.

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