Mourning customs for the benefit and soul of the deceased. And who says the Kaddish?

January 12, 2022   

The Torah of Israel commands us to mourn after the death of a close family member. The laws of mourning are numerous and have great significance and importance, to the point that according to Kabbalah, it is said that there is benefit to the soul of the deceased by the relatives' sorrow in mourning. What's the point of mourning? After the death of a close family member as defined in Jewish law, for example, a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, one must mourn. According to Judaism, the purpose of mourning is to take stock of one's soul, and in addition, it is stated in the holy books according to Kabbalah that by the relatives' sorrow in mourning, they cause the deceased's sentence to be lightened. You can learn more on the website about  Mourning customs The stages of grief

1. Before burial: The law of indulgence applies
2. Seven - These days we are at home, not working, and there are many restrictions on the family
3. Thirty - at any time, no haircuts or nail trimming
4. Twelfth month - do not attend happy events

There is a difference between mourning for one's father and mother and mourning for other relatives. Father and mother: must mourn for twelve months, other relatives: mourn for only thirty days. You can expand and learn more about these laws and more on the website kadish.org.il Kaddish It is mentioned in the holy books and is legally prescribed in the Shulchan Aruch to say Kaddish for the deceased for 11 months. Eastern and Sephardic Jews are careful to say Kaddish for twelve months less a week. The Kaddish prayer signifies faith and confidence in the Creator, and according to Judaism it is useful in saving the soul from the judgment of hell and raising it to heaven. In the attached link you can access the text of the prayer Kaddish Who says the Kaddish? Kaddish is said by relatives. Usually, the sons will say it for the father, and of course, a grandson can also say it for the grandfather. If the sons do not have the opportunity, it is possible to hire a Jewish Talmid Tocham to say the Kaddish and make sure to do so in the name and for the family. We find different methods in the latter's words under the responsibility of the messenger: some recommend saying the name of the deceased once in a while, while the 'Kaf HaChaim' wrote to make sure to say the name of the deceased every day before the prayer. When is Kaddish said? Kaddish is said in the three prayers of Shacharit, Mincha, and Aarav, as we wrote above, for 11 months or a year, depending on the customs of the various denominations. In addition, on the Hebrew date of the Yahrzeit each year.