One of the most sacred rituals observed by the Jewish people is the recitation of the Kaddish prayer for those who have left this world. Kaddish is recited for eleven months after death, and after the first year, each year on the yahrzeit (anniversary) of the passing. There are many profound reasons, historical, mystical, psychological, and more, for why we recite kaddish, but its basic idea is that recitation provides an aliyah to the neshama - helps the soul of the deceased come closer to God.
The obligation to say Kaddish extends to close family members including children (daily for the first eleven months) and siblings/parents/spouses (daily for the first thirty days after burial). When this is not possible, another person can do so on your behalf. One time-honored custom is to donate money to a Jewish institution that promotes Torah learning and prayer and have a volunteer from that institution recite kaddish on behalf of your loved one. Skokie Valley is available to provide this service to you. Dedicated shul volunteers or rabbinic leadership will recite kaddish at each service with the name of your loved one in mind, and on yarzheits we will learn Torah in his or her memory. All funds donated through this program will go towards supporting Torah learning and Jewish practice for the community.
