* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Six civilians were murdered in a terrorist attack at Ramot Junction in Jerusalem and four soldiers fell in Gaza, HY”D.
Ten families will begin to recite Kaddish for their loved ones. In their memories, here are a few words about the Kaddish itself:
The Kaddish opens with the words: “May His great Name be exalted and sanctified.” In his prayer, the mourner requests that the great Name of God be magnified and sanctified. The words that follow describe a world of rectification and ask to increase the Divine Presence in the world.
Why is this what we request after the souls of our loved ones have ascended to heaven? Because every human being is created in God’s image. With everyone who leaves us, a special image of God leaves us too. Something holy is now lacking here and now. We therefore ask to increase the Divine light of the deceased in order to fill the void they left behind.
How despicable are our enemies who declare “Allahu Akbar” (God is great) before they murder and diminish the presence of God. And how we must work to annihilate them and fill the void of those who are gone through our own good deeds.
We do not say the Kaddish alone. It requires the presence of ten men together, a minyan. This is a message of consolation for the mourners: You are not alone. Your loss is felt by the entire nation of Israel.
Condolences to the families of the fallen. May the closing words of the Kaddish soon be fulfilled: “The Maker of peace in high places, may He make peace for us and for all Israel, and let us say Amen.”
In their memory.
