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Kel Maleh Rachamim - Prayer for the Soul of the Departed

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For a Man:

Hebrew and Transliteration:

Translation:

O G-d, full of compassion, Who dwells on high, grant true rest upon the wings of the Shechinah (Divine Presence), in the exalted spheres of the holy and pure, who shine as the resplendence of the firmament, to the soul of

(mention his Hebrew name and that of his father)

who has gone to his [supernal] world, for charity has been donated in remembrance of his soul; may his place of rest be in Gan Eden. Therefore, may the All-Merciful One shelter him with the cover of His wings forever, and bind his soul in the bond of life. The Lord is his heritage; may he rest in his resting-place in peace; and let us say: Amen.

For a Woman:

Hebrew and Transliteration:

Translation:

O G-d, full of compassion, Who dwells on high, grant true rest upon the wings of the Shechinah (Divine Presence), in the exalted spheres of the holy and pure, who shine as the resplendence of the firmament, to the soul of

(mention her Hebrew name and that of her father)

who has gone to her [supernal] world, for charity has been donated in remembrance of her soul; may her place of rest be in Gan Eden. Therefore, may the All-Merciful One shelter her with the cover of His wings forever, and bind her soul in the bond of life. The Lord is her heritage; may she rest in her resting-place in peace; and let us say: Amen.

By Zalman Goldstein
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Discussion (9)
December 18, 2012
To Anonymous from Florida
This prayer is recited, usually by the rabbi or cantor, on specific occasions such as the anniversary of passing (yahrtzeit), during the visit to a grave or at a memorial service. It is unique to the individual that it is being recited for, as his or her name is mentioned. Kaddish, on the other hand, is generic and is recited by the mourner, in the presence of a minyan, for 11 months following death, and each year on the yahrtzeit.
Eliezer Zalmanov
for Chabad.org
December 18, 2012
Why was this prayer chanted at the National vigil for Newtown instead of Kaddish?
The rabbi chanted this prayer at the service on Sunday evening. I am not familiar with the prayer. Most Jews are familiar with the Mourner's Kaddish. Can someone explain when this is used versus Kaddish?
Anonymous
Florida
October 8, 2012
thank you
Thank you for the clear and concise guidance.
Carole
sydney, Australia
December 23, 2011
El moleh
Di you say this prayer on Chanukah at a funeral
Leah
Old bridge , NJ
September 17, 2011
Thank you Chabad...
..so helpful.
Anonymous
Seattle
July 5, 2011
malei memorial prayer
Would it be possible to have this prayer either spoken out loud or sung? I am preparing an unveiling for my Mother (for blessed memory) and hearing it would be most helpful.
Anonymous
Jax., FL/USA
September 17, 2009
Kel Maleh Rachamim
Thank you for having the answers to my questions in a reliable and searchable format
Riva Brown
Wilmington, De
May 25, 2009
Spiritual
“Prayer changes things.” It puts us into direct contact with God, and thus brings God into more active contact with our personal lives and surroundings. That more intimate, active presence of God does indeed tend to change things in and around us.
Anonymous
chandigarh, india
October 3, 2008
Thank you!
Thank you!
Anonymous
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