Chapter 26 – Mourner’s Kaddish (a hymn of praises to G-d)

26.1) It is customary for a mourner to say kaddish (a hymn of praises to G-d), to act as the maftir (the last person called up to the Torah on Shabbat and holiday mornings) and the hazan (cantor of a synagogue).

26.2) A mourner is entitled to say all the kaddish during the first seven days of mourning.

26.3) For rules involving the presence of yahrzeit (memorial for the death of a loved one) and a mourner, see source for details.

26.4) A minor and an adult and an observer of yahrzeit have the same rights to say kaddish.

26.5) A person observing yahrzeit and a mourner observing the first 30 days of mourning have precedent over mourners observing the rest of the year of mourning.

26.6) A person observing yahrzeit is less favored than someone observing the first 30 days of mourning.

26.7) Cast lots for mourners of the equal rights. )

26.8) A resident mourner has preference over a stranger; but there are exceptions. See the source.

26.9) Strangers observing thirty days of mourning and residents observing the rest of the year hold equal rights.

26.10) A resident observing yahrzeit and a stranger observing thirty days of mourning will each say portions of the kaddish.

26.11) Strangers observing the rest of the year of mourning are entitled to one kaddish, when residents are doing the same.

26.12) A resident is someone who resides permanently in the community, even if he does not pay taxes. However, someone who pays taxes, but does not reside in the community is also considered a resident.

26.13) Mourners may forbid a visiting mourner from saying kaddish (a hymn of praises to G-d) at their synagogue if the mourner has a regular place of worship or House of Study.

26.14) If you are a mourner who is competent to act as hazan, you should do so.

26.15) Lots should be cast to determine who says kaddish when two or more mourners present are competent to act as hazan.

26.16) If you are mourning the loss of your father and mother, you do not have any special rights to say kaddish (a hymn of praises to G-d) before any other mourner.

26.17) Do not say kaddish longer than eleven months for the death of a parent.

26.18) When many mourners are present, two or three may say kaddish together.

26.19) If no mourners are in the synagogue, a person without a father or mother will say kaddish.

26.20) Daughters should not say kaddish.

26.21) If you are unable to say kaddish on the day you observe Jahrzeit, you should say it at the Maariv (Jewish prayer service held in evening or night) service.

26.22) It is more important for a child to be righteous and behave properly than say kaddish to honor his parent.