Folding Tallit and Tefillin During Kaddish
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Question
Hello Rabbi, Is it permissible for a person who is not in a hurry during Shacharit to fold tefillin or tallit while Kaddish is being recited? (Whether by the chazzan or individually). And if the person is in a hurry and knows he prayed in a late minyan and his wife might struggle with preparing young children at home, does that change the answer?
Answer
Peace and blessings
It is forbidden to engage in any activity while Kaddish is being recited
and even to think about other matters during this time is prohibited.
Source
Mishna Berura, Siman 56, Se'if Katan 1
In the book Mateh Moshe, Siman 511, it is brought in the name of a Midrash that a sage appeared to his student in a dream, and the student saw that he had a stain on his forehead. He asked, "Why did this happen to you?" He replied, "Because I was not careful and spoke when the chazzan was reciting Kaddish." Even contemplating words of Torah is forbidden when the chazzan is reciting Kaddish because one must focus greatly on responding to the Kaddish.