Kaddish after Death before Burial

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Question

Is Kaddish recited after the death of one's father before his burial?

Answer

Before the burial, the son has the status of an onen and is exempt from all commandments, unless he has handed over the deceased to the Chevra Kadisha and is not involved at all. Or on Shabbat and Yom Tov, when he cannot attend to the deceased, he does not have the status of an onen, and it is customary to recite Kaddish before the burial.

Source

The Taz in Yoreh De'ah, Siman 376, Se'if Katan 4, writes: "It seems to me that if someone dies on Shabbat or a festival and cannot be buried on the same day, at least Kaddish should be recited immediately after death, as reciting Kaddish is not dependent on mourning at all. But on weekdays, this should not be done, as an onen is exempt from prayer. This is how it seems to me." However, the Nekudot HaKesef argues: "It seems to me that since the purpose of Kaddish is to redeem one's father from Gehinnom, as long as he is not buried, he is not subject to Gehinnom. And it seems that this is the custom." However, the custom in this matter follows the Taz, that Kaddish is recited even before burial after death. The Mishnah Berurah, Siman 71, Se'if Katan 7, also writes: "Nevertheless, a son who is an onen for his father and there are others dealing with the burial may go to the synagogue to say Kaddish for him, as this is an honor for his father, and it is permitted to all. Especially on Shabbat and festivals, and only if there are no other mourners, but if there are other mourners, then not."

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