In Genesis 35:20, the Torah mentions the matzeivah (memorial stone) which Jacob erected over the grave of his wife, Rachel.

The custom of memorializing the dead with a grave marker is a time-honored Jewish tradition dating back to biblical times. If the mourner is able to lead the prayer service for the congregation, it is a particular merit for the soul of the departed for him to do so. Kaddish can only be recited at a minyan - a communal regular prayer service held with the participation of at least ten adult (age 13 or older) Jewish men. If that is not possible, then another person can be assigned or hired to recite Kaddish in the merit of the deceased. If a person dies without children, then another relative should assume the task. The duty to recite Kaddish rests upon the children of the deceased. Kaddish is also recited every year on the yahrtzeit - the anniversary, on the Jewish calendar, of the person's passing. Henceforth, it is recited every day, in the designated places in the three daily prayer services, for eleven months. The Kaddish is recited for the first time in the cemetery, immediately following the burial. One of the most sacred rituals observed by all Jews throughout the generations is the practice of reciting the Kaddish prayer for the merit of the departed soul of one's father or mother.Ĭlick here for the text of Kaddish - in Hebrew, transliteration and translation.Ĭlick here for an Interactive Kaddish Trainer. Of particular merit is to establish a charitable fund or an institution devoted to a positive goal, in merit of the departed. The children, relatives and friends should undertake to do additional Torah learning (particularly, the study of Mishnah), to give to charity, and to increase their good deeds.Ī common practice is to accept upon oneself an improvement in the observance of a particular mitzvah. There is nothing greater we can do for the soul of those who have departed this world than to accept upon ourselves an increase in good deeds and positive achievements to be done lizchut-'in merit of'-and l'ilui nishmat, 'for the elevation of the soul'.

Learning, Mitzvot and Charity 'In Merit Of' the Soul That is, to be able to view the passing of the beloved individual from the perspective that that person's soul was gathered in, so to speak, by the One Who had provided it in the first place.Īs Beruriah, the great wife of Rabbi Meir, consoled her husband upon the death of their two sons with words to this effect: 'A soul is comparable to an object which was given to us-to each individual, to his or her parents and loved ones, to guard and watch over for a limited time.Please scroll down for an overview of Kaddish.Ĭlick here to arrange for Kaddish to be recited on behalf of someone who has passed away.Ĭlick here for all Kaddish related links including explanations, study, and trainer. Paradoxically, this is, in fact, the only true comfort in the case of the loss of a loved one. In this prayer, we also pray for peace-from apparently the only One Who can guarantee it-peace between nations, peace between individuals, and peace of mind. The theme of Kaddish is, rather, the Greatness of G-d, Who conducts the entire universe, and especially his most favored creature, each individual human being, with careful supervision. Having read the translation of the Kaddish Prayer, one should realize that, although Jewish Law requires that the Kaddish be recited during the first 11 months following the death of a loved one by prescribed mourners, and on each anniversary of the death (the 'Yahrtzeit'), and by custom in the State of Israel by all Jews on the Tenth of Tevet ('Yom HaKaddish HaKlali'), there is no reference, no word even, about death in the prayer. He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all Israel and say, Amen. May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.īlessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world and say, Amen.

May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon and say, Amen. Glorified and sanctified be God's great name throughout the world which He has created according to His will. Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America

Kiddush transliteration