DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 674 KB)
Reciting Kaddish After Torah Learning

In addition to the recitations of Kaddish during the prayer service, there are also other occasions that warrant the recitation of Kaddish, namely, when ten or more men study Torah together. Upon the conclusion of the Torah study session, Kaddish should be recited. The exact recitation depends on the nature of the study. If a group assembled for the recitation of Tehillim, for example, then after the recitation they should recite Kaddish Yeheh Shelama. However, after the study of Torah She’be’al Peh, such as Mishna or Gemara, then the group recites Kaddish Al Yisrael Ve’al Rabbanan (known as "Kaddish De’rabbanan").

There is a widespread custom to recite at the conclusion of a Torah class the final Mishna of Masechet Makot: "Rabbi Hananya Ben Akashya Omer Rasa Ha’kadosh Baruch HU…" This custom is practiced even when a group studies Torah She’be’al Peh, in which case they must in any event recite Kaddish Al Yisrael. The Hid"a (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) explained this custom as based on a comment by the Gemara in Masechet Sota. The Gemara lists the different "pillars" upon which the world stands, one of which is the Kaddish recited after studying Aggada – the homilies and philosophical insights of the Sages. Although Kaddish should be recited after every Torah study session, there is special significance to the Kaddish recited after the study of Aggada. Therefore, it became customary to recite after every Torah class the Mishna of "Rabbi Hananya Ben Akashya Omer," a brief passage of Aggada, in order to be able to recite Kaddish after learning Aggada.

Several Poskim, including the Hid"a, Kaf Ha’haim, Ben Ish Hai and Mishna Berura, mention the Halacha of "En Marbim Be’kaddishim." This means that we should not try to create situations requiring extra recitations of Kaddish. Although we should certainly recite Kaddish when it is warranted, it is improper to go out of one’s way to facilitate an extra Kaddish. One situation where this Halacha applies is when Arbit is recited immediately following a Shiur. Upon the conclusion of the Shiur, "Rabbi Hananya Ben Akashya" should be recited, followed by Kaddish Al Yisrael. At that point, the Minyan should proceed directly to Arbit, with the recitation of "Ve’hu Rahum" and "Barechu." Sometimes, people in this situation first recite the verses of "Hashem Seva-ot Imanu" before Arbit to recite an additional Kaddish. This is incorrect; they should proceed directly to "Ve’hu Rahum" afterthe Kaddish is recited following the Shiur.

Summary: After a group studies Torah, Kaddish should be recited if a Minyan is present. It is customary to recite the Mishna of "Rabbi Hananya Ben Akashya Omer" after the study session, followed by Kaddish Al Yisrael. It is improper to specifically create situations to enable extra Kaddish recitations.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
What is the Proper Procedure For Making Up a Missed Reading of Shenayim Mikra Ve’ehad Targum?
How Should One Respond After Dreaming That He Committed a Sin?
The Obligation to Visit and Keep in Touch With One’s Parents
Hashkaba for an Infant; Which Name to Use When Reciting the Hashkaba Prayer
The Prohibition of Stealing From a Non-Jew, and Stealing Small Amounts of Money
Alenu – Pausing Before the Words “Va’anahnu Kor’im”
Seniut – Restrictions on Interaction Between Men and Women
Who Bears Liability When a Car Hits the Car In Front That Had Stopped Short?
Must One Stand When an Elderly Person Passes Near Him During Tefila?
The Proper Sequence When Listing the Names of the Matriarchs
Structures and Images That One May Not Make or Keep in the Home
Rosh Hashanah – Covering the Shofar While Reciting the Berachot
Must One Recite Birkat Ha’Torah Before Reading Biblical Verses as Prayer?
The Status of Wine That Was Looked at by an Idolater
The Sin of Mishkav Zachur (Homosexuality)
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found