“While writing this paragraph, hundreds of Israeli Jewish people have begun reciting the Mourners’ Kaddish as they mourn and grieve the loss of their dear ones killed in the October 7th massacre. At the saddest, most difficult, and shattering moments we experience, we praise and express our gratitude to God almighty, for God is eternal. Our connection with God and his greatness will continue forever,” writes Rabbi Oded Peles, a Jewish cantor and educator living in Israel, in his commentary on the Jewish prayer for the dead.
Kaddish (Hebrew: קדיש – holy; Yiddish: Kadesh) is an ancient Jewish prayer that is recited for eleven months after the death of loved ones. Much of it was written in Aramaic, which indicates its roots in the Second Temple period, i.e., in the Roman period.
Although Kaddish is primarily associated with loss, death, and mourning, there is no mention of any of these elements. Although it is recited for eleven months during the twelve-month mourning period, its purpose is not so much to express grief over the loss as to glorify God in the world.
“After all, what can overcome death? Not we mortals. Our bond and covenant with God almighty, however, can. The awareness and confidence that God is eternal, that our connection with God and his greatness has always and will continue forever, offers much comfort and strength at the most difficult moments,” explains Oded Peles, emphasizing the uniqueness of this prayer.
The Kaddish ends with the Hebrew words: “He Who makes peace in His high heavens may He, in His mercy, make peace for us and all Israel, for all inhabitants of the world.” “This prayer lifts us above the pain of the here and now and transports us to eternity,” says Rabbi Oded Peles, who lives in Israel.
The full text of the commentary can be found at the website of the Heschel Centre at the Catholic University of Lublin:
https://heschel.kul.pl/mourner-s-kaddish-jewish-prayer-filled-with-praise,art_104735.html
