When to Fast if the Yahrzeit Falls on Shabbat
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Question
When the anniversary of a father's death falls on Shabbat, when is it appropriate to fast?
Answer
According to the Sephardic custom, it is preferable to fast before Shabbat on Thursday, and if that is not possible, it can be postponed to Friday. According to the Ashkenazi custom, there is no need to fast at all.
Source
In Shulchan Aruch, Siman 568, Se'if 9, it states: "If the day of his father's death falls on Shabbat or Rosh Chodesh, it is postponed to the next day." And the Rema writes: "This is not the custom; rather, they do not fast at all; and similarly on other days when Tachanun is not recited." The Sephardic custom today, as written by the Kaf HaChaim, is that it is preferable to advance the fast and the visit to the grave rather than postpone it, as there is no benefit to the soul of the deceased after the day of judgment has already passed for him, therefore it is correct to advance it.
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