Ask the director

QUESTION:  Why do we stand for the mourner’s Kaddish? 

B. K., Providence

Dear B.K., 

In traditional congregations, only the mourners stand during the Mourner’s Kaddish as a way of alerting the community to those who are grieving and perhaps are in need of an extra measure of caring. Those who are observing the Yahrzeit (anniversary) of a loved one also stand and recite the Kaddish. In most Reform congregations, the entire congregation rises as a symbol of respect to the memory of the departed, to recite Kaddish for those who have no one to say it for them, and for the victims of the Holocaust.

Questions are welcomed and encouraged. Please send questions to: ShalomChapel@aol.com or by mail to Ask the Director, c/o Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920