Jewish family memory
Yahrzeit during a Jewish leap year
A Jewish leap year has two Adar months. A label that says only Adar can therefore be ambiguous.
By Pinkas · Updated September 28, 2026
A practical first step
Write Adar I, Adar II, or Adar in a non-leap year exactly as established. Ask your rabbi about the applicable observance practice and retain the answer with the original date.
An example to follow
If an old list says only '12 Adar', locate the year before choosing a month in a future leap year. Do not silently convert it to Adar II.
Keep the record useful for the next relative
Save the original item or recording, the source of each claim, and the date you added the note. Label estimates and disputed details. Decide who should have access before inviting other people to help.