Kaddish has become one of the most familiar words in the vocabulary of Jews. Whether in harsh lands where the ravages of oppression have been heaviest or in hospitable countries where the smiles 0f opportunity have conquered more Jewish souls than whips and dungeons, the name Kaddish has evoked Jewish feeling and reawakened filial sensitivities that lay dormant in the face of all else. For is not Kaddish the prayer for the dead? And breathes there a son or daughter who could stand at the bier of a parent without at least a twinge of remorse for duty unfulfilled? Is there a human being too insecure and too busy to relax his pursuit of a relentless future — at least once a year — and look back at those whose toil formed his past?

With such emotions has Kaddish been described, honored, and recited — and misunderstood.

For Kaddish contains no mention of death or guilt or nostalgia. Rather it is a declaration of faith in Israel’s national purpose, of loyalty to Israel’s Creator, of confidence in the ultimate triumph of the ideals for which heaven and earth were created, of longing for the time when people — all people — will accept the Heavenly mission that gives meaning to life and transcends death, that will illuminate the darkest moments of personal and universal tragedy. Such an expression gives hope and direction to life and striving. (From the Foreword to the Artscroll KADDISH, Mesorah Publications, New York.)

Click here here to read how a proper understanding of Kaddish stood up in court