Kaddish

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

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Kaddish

Kaddish – קדיש
The traditional prayer in praise of God, said during every traditional prayer service. There are five variations of the Kaddish, with the best known being the Mourner’s Kaddish. This prayer never mentions death or dying, but instead proclaims the greatness of God. By saying the Kaddish, mourners are showing that even though their faith is being tested by their loss, they are still affirming’s God’s greatness. Some people believe the Kaddish is also said for the benefit of the soul of the deceased to help facilitate its journey. Traditionally, Kaddish is only said for immediate family, but you may say Kaddish for whomever you wish. Some people undertake the mitzvah (good deed) of saying Kaddish for a person who left no family. The Kaddish is recited after burial, during the first year, at all three daily services and at the Yahrzeit. This prayer should be said by the mourners either in the home or at the synagogue, in the presence of a minyan (quorum of 10 Jews). This is done so that the mourners remain a part of the community, even if the natural instinct would be to withdraw. Synagogues can help arrange for a minyan if the family wishes to hold services at their home.

Brighton Memorial Chapel can provide prayer books to be used as a courtesy. Children mourning a parent say Kaddish for 11 months. Traditionally, Kaddish is said for 30 days for a child, spouse, or sibling. Today, many people choose to say Kaddish for 11 months for any family member. Kaddish is also recited each year on the anniversary of the death (Yahrzeit) and at Yizkor. It is believed that the Kaddish is one of the most important and meaningful acts that the family can do to insure that the departed soul is at peace. Click here for the Kaddish.

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