| By :
Mark Etinger
The loss of a loved one can be a traumatic and jarring event. Although it is always painful there are things we can do to honor the passing of our loved ones that enrich our lives and give us the strength to cope. Holding a Jewish memorial service is a good way to honor someone's life while mourning their passing. Jews have been doing it for thousands of years, it is part of a rich tradition designed to help the living and the dead. Saying Kaddish dates back to around 200 C.E. The practice was invented by Rabbi Akiva a great spiritual thinker. The Kaddish has been said on the behalf of others since around 1600. Since Jews are part of a greater spiritual whole they can say Kaddish on each other's behalf or more generally for Jews who have passed on. It can be hard to make proper arrangements for Kaddish to be said within the family. The Kaddish is said every day in the year after someone dies and then every year on the anniversary of their death. Saying Kaddish and doing mitzvahs in the name of your deceased relative moves their soul to a higher spiritual plane. It brings them closer to G-d. It also brings the mourner closer to G-d and the spirit of the deceased. Jews have a moral responsibility to look out for each other. Looking after someone when they have passed and cannot act for themselves is even more important. Reciting the Jewish prayer for the dead, or simply making sure someone is reciting it, is also a good way to cope with the loss. It allows you to connect with the spirit of the deceased. It reminds you that the person's spirit is alive and well even though they are no longer on our plane of existence. It allows you to stay in touch with your loved one. Although recovering from loss can be difficult we become stronger and more connected to G-d by participating in Kaddish. Jews have been saying the mourners Kaddish for a long time. By having a Jewish memorial service you connect your spirit with that of the deceased but also with a whole community of Jews throughout time. You can take comfort in the fact people have said the Kaddish before you; they will say it when you pass, and they will continue saying it long after.
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