1. A person who lost a relative in a leap year in Adar Rishon has “yahrzeit rights” to the Amud in Adar Rishon.
2. A person who lost a relative in a leap year in Adar Sheini has “yahrzeit rights” to the Amud in Adar Sheini.
3. A person who lost a relative in a regular year (non-leap year) in Adar has “yahrzeit rights” to the Amud in Adar Rishon only and is entitled to an aliyah on the Shabbos before the Adar Rishon yahrzeit only. (However, if the person has a clear custom (e.g., Sefardim) to observe his “main” yahrzeit in Adar Sheini, then he has “yahrzeit rights” to the Amud in Adar Sheini only and is entitled to an aliyah on the Shabbos before the Adar Sheini yahrzeit only.)
4. Li’chatchilah, although the “yahrzeit rights” are limited to Adar Rishon, one should say Kaddish in both Adar Rishon and Adar Sheini if possible. This applies, as well, to the minhag of lighting a yahrzeit candle, fasting, and any other minhagei yahrzeit adopted by your family. If not practical, minhag Ashkenazim is to give preference to Adar Rishon (Ram”a, Mateh Ephraim, Kitzur Shu”A, Gesher HaChaim, M”B, and others).
5. It is the Shul’s minhag to recite Tachanun on 7 Adar (in both Adar Rishon and Adar Sheini).
6. Both Tachanun and “Lamnatzei’ach” are omitted on Purim Kattan, and fasting and eulogies are prohibited (Tuesday, February 15). Tachanun is also not recited at Minchah the day before (Monday, February 14). An Avel may take the Amud on Purim Kattan (M”B, 581:7).
7. Although the primary simchah and “good mazal” of Chodesh Adar during a leap year is in Adar Sheini (wherein we celebrate Purim, it is closer to Pesach, etc.), there is still a good mazal for Klal Yisrael in Adar Rishon, as well. Therefore, one who requires an elective medical procedure/surgery, should not wait until Adar Sheini; the procedure should be performed in Adar Rishon and not be delayed (Rav Chaim Kaniyevsky (Divrei Siach)). One who took upon himself to perform a mitzvah in Chodesh Adar (e.g., to give a large donation to his Shul), should carry it out in Adar Rishon. If he is stringent to perform the mitzvah in both Adars, then “a blessing will come upon him (Shu”t Chasam Sofer, OC”H, #163).”
8. Even in a leap year, Aveilim still only recite Kaddish for eleven months (PR”M, Mateh Ephraim, and others). However, “Ha’reini kaparas mishkavo”- recited upon quoting one’s deceased parent during the entire first year- should be said the full thirteen months during a leap year (Shu”t Beis Yitzchak, Y”D, 2:157).
9. The generally accepted practice is to recite ולכפרת פשע through and including Rosh Chodesh Adar Sheini.
Wishing you all abundant simchah, gezunt, and Kol Tuv always,
Rabbi Eytan Feiner
