Question

Our chevra has the minhag to fast on Zayin Adar and break the fast together with an elaborate seudah. This year, Zayin Adar falls on Friday, March 7th. When should we fast and make the seudah?

Answer

Zayin Adar Background

The minhag for chevros kadisha to fast one day a year dates back centuries, possibly even millennia (see Zichron Meir 21:3).  This minhag is uniquely tied to the chesed shel emes work of the chevra kadisha for several reasons:

• It involves caring for a tzelem Elokim, who is unable to help himself, at a vulnerable time of transition.
• The neshama of the deceased is very aware and concerned with how its body is treated, but cannot provide feedback to the chevra kadisha.
• The work of the chevra kadisha can be both physically and emotionally challenging, which may lead those involved to fall short of the highest standards of care that kavod hameis requires. 

For these reasons, chevros kadisha ask mechila (forgiveness) from the nifter at every tahara.  Once a year, it is appropriate for every chevra kadisha to designate a set day for fasting. This day serves as a time to reflect and gain inspiration, thus strengthening the members commitment to kavod hameis.

Since the 17th century, many communities have designated Zayin Adar – the 7th day of Adar – as the most appropriate day for this gathering (see Gesher HaChaim 33:3). It is the yahrzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu, when Hashem Himself buried Moshe, thereby giving special prominence to this extraordinary chesed.

When Zayin Adar Falls on a Friday

The minhag to fast on Zayin Adar poses a challenge when it falls on a Friday, as fasting on Friday is generally avoided to prevent entering Shabbos in discomfort (see Mishnah Berurah 249:18).

For this year, the recommended practice is to:

Fast on Thursday, the 6th of Adar (March 6th) and make the seudah Thursday evening, which is on Zayin Adar.

Alternatively, if this arrangement is not feasible, you can schedule the seudah for Sunday evening, March 9th, or another convenient evening, and fast on the day preceding the seudah.

Fast of Zayin Adar

Since the taanis is not obligatory for the broader community, individuals must verbally accept the fast the day before. This is typically done at the conclusion of Shemona Esrei at Mincha, before stepping back (see Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 562:6). Many siddurim include the nusach for this acceptance. If one is unsure about their ability to fast, one should add the words “bli neder” (without making a vow).

Many chevros kadisha gather for a special mincha and include:

• • Aneinu
  • Krias HaTorah and Maftir
  • Special selichos for zayin adar
  • Avinu Malkeinu (See Zichron Meir ibid)

The Seudah of Zayin Adar

The minhag of having an elaborate seudah after the fast is longstanding and has mystical significance (see Zichron Meir ibid, footnote 27), as well as practical benefits. 

Practical Benefits of the Seudah

• Expressing Hakaras Hatov: Honoring chevra members and their spouses for their dedication 
• Inspiration: Inviting a speaker to inspire participants and acknowledge the vital role of the chevra kadisha
• Fostering Achdus (Unity): Helping create a sense of camaraderie among the members of the chevra, their families, and those with whom they interact. Depending on the community, consider inviting rabbis, community leaders, funeral directors, and cemetery personnel to strengthen relationships and inspire appreciation for the holy work of the chevra kadisha.