What obligation do mourners beyond direct family have regarding Kaddish?

The correct choice reflects an understanding of the Jewish mourning practices surrounding Kaddish, specifically how it relates to mourners who are not part of the direct family. Kaddish is traditionally recited in memory of the deceased, and while direct family members have specific obligations surrounding the recitation of Kaddish, mourners beyond immediate family have an established, but less rigid, expectation.

It is recognized that while non-direct family members can recite Kaddish as a sign of respect and mourning, they are not under the same obligation as direct relatives. The practice typically associates a limited number of days for reciting Kaddish by direct mourners, such as the children or spouse of the deceased, which usually spans the mourning period of eleven months or a year depending on the relationship. However, non-immediate family members traditionally are not held to this standard; they may choose to recite it for a limited number of days, often during the funeral and shiva, but it is not a requirement for them to continue beyond that.

In this context, the obligations for mourners beyond immediate family members remain flexible and influenced by their personal choice and communal customs, aligning with the broader interpretation of mourning practices in Judaism.