Halachic Highlights

Question: Should a minyan with a chasan getting married later that day recite Tachanun?

Short Answer: While the chasan should not recite Tachanun, some poskim require the minyan to recite Tachanun, especially if the chupah is not until after sh’kiah. However, the minhag has developed to not recite Tachanun.

Question: Should the person reciting Kaddish recite the words of Y’hei sh’mei rabba out loud together with the congregation?

Question: Must a chasan and kallah fast on their wedding day?

Short Answer: While Ashkenazim follow the Rama that a chasan and kallah fast on their wedding day, some Sefardim do not fast. Further, certain poskim rule that only the chasan and not the kallah should fast.

Question: Should a Sefardi who is saying Kaddish in an Ashkenazi shul recite the Kaddish nusach for Sefardim or the nusach of the Ashkenazi shul? The same question applies in the reverse case – an Ashkenazi davening in a Sefardi shul?

Question: Two mourners are reciting Kaddish at different speeds. How should you answer Amen to their Kaddish?

 Short Answer: Although others disagree, the Mishnah B’rurah rules that if the two mourners are within “toch k’dei dibur” – three or four words from each other – then you may answer Amen to whichever mourner you want, and this will count for both of them. However, if they are more than three or four words apart, then you should answer Amen separately to both of them.

Question: When a parent tells his/her child that he/she does not want Kaddish recited for them, should the child listen?

Short Answer: While the simple understanding is that the child should obey the parent’s request and not recite Kaddish, many Acharonim limit this ruling to specific situations. In most cases, the child should probably recite Kaddish against his parent’s wishes.