The Mourner’s KaddishThe Aramaic memorial prayer for the dead. Mourners recite this prayer at every service, every day, in the presence of a minyan (prayer quorum) over the course of a year (for a parent) or thirty days (for a sibling or offspring). The prayer actually makes no mention of the dead, but rather prays for the sanctification and magnification of God's name. reminds us of the vitality of life and our connection to God. Here is a modern interpretation:
We are blessed to live in the world that God created
Whether times be joyful and rewarding or difficult or challenging
We live in gratitude for the sacred opportunity to be alive
We pray that God’s holiness be complete soon, perhaps even nowÂ
May it be so.
We praise the Power that created the heavens and the earth.
As we wander about the imperfect world in which we live,
We believe that there exists a promise of a holier realm.
We ask the Mystery to bring forth such blessedness in our lifetimes.
May it be so.
Let us acknowledge God’s influence now and forever.
How can we thank God for all that has been done?
We can offer blessings and praises
We can speak the Holy Name with glory and honor
We can connect and pray, in whatever style we please
We can offer gratitude in our thoughts, words, songs and actions
May it be so
We can envision this world and beyond as havens of peace
For ourselves, for those like us, and for all peoples of the world.
May it be so.
If God can bring peace to the heavenly realm
Then we believe there can be peace in our world in our time.
May it be so.
