Q. I have been a member of the local Chevra Kadisha for over twenty years. Recently we relocated to another city and I also joined their Chevra Kadisha. In the past, whenever there was a leap year. the members of the Chevra Kadisha fasted and then celebrated the traditional seuda of the Seventh of Adar, the yohrzait of Moshe Rabenu, on the second Adar, when we also observe Purim. But the new Chevra Kadisha I joined do so on yhe first Adar. Do I have to be matir neder if I'm to change my tradition? Should I now do both months?
A. On question 996 we wrote: "Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a pointed out, that although it is custom for the chevra kadisha societies to fast and commemorate their traditional seudah on the seventh day of second Adar, Mishna Berura (580; 15) mentions that the fasting for Moshe Rabeinu’s yortzait is on the first Adar.”
Indeed, Imrei Pinchas (p.130) elucidates that Zain Adar should be commemorated on the first Adar, since it then coincides with Parshas Tetzave. As the Ba'al Haturim explains that Moshe Rabbenu's name was omitted to comply with the “Erase me from Your sefer” dictum.
However, many Poskim maintain that Adar Sheni is main (Sheilas Yavetz 1: 117 quoting his father the Chacham Tzvi, Chasam Sofer O.H. 163, Melamed Lehoil 113,2, et. al.) Nitey Gavriel (Purim 13: 4) writes that some observe both dates.
There is a further disagreement of our sages as to when Moshe Rabbenu was niftar. If it was a year with two Adars and in which of the two was his petirah. (Yalkut Yehoshua ch. 5) as there is also a disagreement when he was born (Sota 12b.) There are also different opinions as to if he passed away on the same Adar he was born. (Hilchos K'tanos 2: 173, Ya'aros Devash 2: p. 140)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit”a opinion is that in principle each Chevra Kadisha should consult with the competent Rabbi in charge of the group and follow his opinion. When that is not an option, they should follow the already established minhag they have. If it is a newly created Chevra, they should follow the tradition of the majority of the established chevros in the city."
In your particular case, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you do not have to be matir neder and it is enough if to kee the minhag of the new Chevra Kadisha you have joined.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
