Q&A: Mourner's Kaddish
Mourner's Kaddish
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I would like to ask the Rabbi whether, in his opinion, Mourner's Kaddish has any significance. Is there any significance to the elevation of a soul through Kaddish?
Answer
I have no idea. I assume nobody does. But the custom developed to say it in remembrance of the deceased, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Discussion on Answer
Mourner's Kaddish is a custom that took root in 12th-century France. There is no mention in the Talmud or in the early halakhic decisors of Kaddish for mourners.
Even the Kaddish said at the grave is recited because of acceptance of the divine judgment, not because of elevation of the soul.
It also does not make sense that one can influence a wicked person after he has died.
Customs that suddenly appeared have no significance. It makes no sense that until the 12th century there was no elevation of the soul, and then suddenly there was and one had to say Kaddish.
In my opinion this is a fiction meant to strengthen people who have lost someone close to them, so that they do not sink into emptiness, and for a year they have a purpose.
https://www.bhol.co.il/forums/topic.asp?cat_id=24&topic_id=164269&forum_id=1364
A.
A son is like his father's leg.
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