Kaddish Makes Us Special

Kaddish!

The prayer of Sanctification forms an integral and vital part of the daily Jewish prayers. Strategically positioned at certain stages of prayer the Kaddish serves as a bridge in many different ways.

Generally speaking there are two types of Kaddish: (a) The Rabbinic Kaddish which is recited after Torah study or homiletical discourse; (b) the mourner’s Kaddish which is recited by the mourners and is associated with the ascent of the soul.

Both forms of Kaddish are invoked universally. The Rabbinic Kaddish is recited not only after profound scholarly study, discussion or halachic judgments, but also after the study or discussion of homiletics and the stories of Torah by average Jews for whom the study of the daily Talmud section might be too difficult.

Similarly, the mourner’s Kaddish is recited by the descendants of all Jews, not only the great and pious. Even one who was ignorant or sinful must be shown honor and respect by the recitation of Kaddish in his memory. Also, every mourner has to recite Kaddish (see Shulchan Aruch for specific rules), no matter what his personal situation.

So the Kaddish also evokes the idea that all Jews are special, for by saying, “Yisgadal, exalted...,” even the ordinary Jew has an impact on the total Jewish people and adds greatness and holiness to the Holy One, Blessed be He.