At our congregation, we’ve lost a few folks in the past year, so reciting the Kaddish has become a bit of a regular thing at Kehilat Sar Shalom. When I first heard the prayer many years ago, I just couldn’t appreciate it.
Where was the message about the hope of the resurrection in this? Where was the talk about our loved ones merely falling asleep, and our ultimate reunion with them in Yeshua? Where was all that talk about the lilies of the field? Or the silk trees, for that matter?
But as time’s gone by, I think I’ve understood a bit of the wisdom in it. I came close to losing my mom in the past couple weeks to a stroke. It was a hard thing, to face my mom’s mortality. And while G-d has decided to extend her days so far, I know they’re numbered.
Given this experience, I think I understand the mourner’s prayer better now. All that talk of a deceased loved one keeps the mourner’s focus on… the deceased loved one, not on Adonai and his messiah, Yeshua, where it belongs.
Take a look and see what I mean:
Kaddish
Glorified and sanctified be God’s great name throughout the world which He has created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; and say, Amen.
May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.
Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen.
May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us
and for all Israel; and say, Amen.
He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.
