Liturgical Prayer
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Kaddish

Also known as: Mourner's Kaddish

Kaddish

An ancient Jewish prayer of praise to God, written in Aramaic. While known popularly as the “Mourner’s Kaddish,” the prayer makes no mention of death and instead focuses on sanctifying God’s name and praying for the establishment of God’s kingdom.

The Prayer

Aramaic and Translation (Abbreviated Form)

יִתְגַּדַּל וְיִתְקַדַּשׁ שְׁמֵהּ רַבָּא Yitgadal v’yitkadash sh’mei raba May His great name be exalted and sanctified

בְּעָלְמָא דִּי בְרָא כִרְעוּתֵהּ B’alma di v’ra chirutei In the world which He created according to His will

וְיַמְלִיךְ מַלְכוּתֵהּ V’yamlich malchutei May He establish His kingdom

בְּחַיֵּיכוֹן וּבְיוֹמֵיכוֹן וּבְחַיֵּי דְכָל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל B’chayeichon uvyomeichon uvchayei d’chol beit Yisrael In your lifetime and in your days, and in the lifetime of all the house of Israel

בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב. וְאִמְרוּ: אָמֵן Ba’agala uvizman kariv, v’imru: Amen Speedily and soon. And say: Amen

The full Kaddish continues with additional verses of praise and petition.

Historical Origins

  • Language: Written in Aramaic, the common language of Jews in Babylonia and the Second Temple period
  • Age: Likely composed during the Talmudic era (2nd-6th centuries CE)
  • Original Context: Initially a doxology (expression of praise) recited after study sessions and sermons
  • Evolution: Gradually incorporated into the liturgy with different versions for different occasions

Types of Kaddish

There are several variations of the Kaddish for different liturgical contexts:

  1. Mourner’s Kaddish (Kaddish Yatom) - Recited by mourners
  2. Full Kaddish (Kaddish Shalem) - Marks major divisions in the service
  3. Half Kaddish (Chatzi Kaddish) - Marks minor divisions
  4. Rabbi’s Kaddish (Kaddish D’Rabbanan) - After studying rabbinic texts
  5. Burial Kaddish (Kaddish at the graveside)

Mourning Practice

When Mourners Recite Kaddish

  • Daily: Three times daily for eleven months after death of a parent
  • Yahrzeit: On the annual anniversary of the death
  • Memorial Services: During Yizkor services on holidays
  • Thirty Days: For other close relatives (sibling, spouse, child)

Requirements

  • Must be recited in the presence of a minyan (quorum of ten adult Jews)
  • Mourner stands while reciting it
  • Congregation responds “Amen” and “Y’hei sh’mei raba” (“May His great name…”)

Theological Themes

Despite being known as a mourner’s prayer, the Kaddish:

Does NOT Mention Death

  • Contains no reference to death, dying, or the afterlife
  • Focuses entirely on praising God and sanctifying His name
  • Looks forward to the establishment of God’s kingdom

Central Themes

  1. Sanctification of God’s Name (Kiddush Hashem) - The opening petition
  2. God’s Kingdom - Prayer for God’s reign to be established
  3. Peace - Concludes with a prayer for peace
  4. Communal Response - Requires congregation participation

Why Mourners Recite It

The connection between mourning and this prayer of praise reflects several Jewish concepts:

  • Accepting God’s Justice: Even in grief, Jews affirm God’s righteousness
  • Merit for the Deceased: The mourner’s public sanctification of God’s name brings merit to the departed soul
  • Return to Life: By participating in community prayer, the mourner reintegrates into the living community
  • Affirming Life: Praising God in the face of death affirms the value and meaning of life

Historical Significance

In Jewish History

  • Ancient Practice: One of the oldest continuously recited Jewish prayers
  • Linguistic Bridge: Preserves Aramaic in Jewish liturgy
  • Holocaust: Became a powerful symbol of Jewish resilience; recited in concentration camps and after liberation
  • Daily Connection: Creates ongoing bond between living and deceased

In Jewish Law

  • Obligation: Considered a primary duty of children toward deceased parents
  • Community Role: Requires and reinforces community participation
  • Women’s Observance: Traditionally recited by men, but increasingly by women in non-Orthodox movements

Cultural Impact

Beyond Judaism

  • Interfaith Recognition: One of the most recognizable Jewish prayers
  • Leonard Bernstein: Set to music in his Symphony No. 3 (“Kaddish”)
  • Literature: Referenced in countless works about Jewish life and loss
  • Holocaust Remembrance: Central to memorial services

In Jewish Life

  • Rite of Passage: Learning to recite Kaddish is a significant moment
  • Communal Support: Community’s presence for Kaddish comforts mourners
  • Daily Rhythm: Creates structure during the mourning period
  • Generational Link: Connects generations through shared practice

The Paradox of Kaddish

The Kaddish embodies a profound paradox:

  • It is the quintessential mourner’s prayer, yet mentions nothing of death
  • It is recited in moments of deepest grief, yet consists entirely of praise
  • It speaks of God’s greatness when faith may be most challenged
  • It is highly personal (mourner’s individual loss) yet requires community

This paradox reflects the Jewish approach to grief: acknowledging loss while affirming life, experiencing personal pain within communal support, and maintaining faith even in moments of doubt.

Contemporary Practice

Today, the Kaddish remains:

  • A fundamental part of Jewish mourning practice
  • A bridge between traditional and modern Jewish observance
  • A source of comfort and structure for mourners
  • A prayer that continues to evolve in meaning for each generation
  • A way for Jews worldwide to connect with their heritage and community