In its commentary, the Gemara (Berachos 60b) explores the significance of the word "ke-shem" or "just like" in the Mishnaic formulation. Clearly it cannot mean that one is obliged to recite the same blessing text in each case, says the Gemara, because, a few lines earlier, the Mishnah taught that each type of event requires a different text: "For good tidings, one recites, 'Baruch . ha-tov ve-ha-meitiv' (Blessed ... Who is good and Who bestows good); for sad tidings, one recites 'Baruch ...Dayyan ha-emes' (Blessed ... Who is a righteous Judge)." For that reason, the sages taught, that one must accept both good and bad "bi-simchah," with joy.

The mourner’s Kaddish is recited by the children of all Jewish people, not only the great and pious. Even one who was unlearned or sinful must be shown honor and respect by the saying of Kaddish in his or her memory. Also, every mourner is expected to recite Kaddish, no matter what his personal situation.

So the Kaddish also brings to mind the idea that all Jewish people are special, for by saying, "Yisgadal, exalted...," even the ordinary individual with limited learning has an impact on the total Jewish people and adds greatness and holiness to the Holy One, Blessed be He.

Kaddish (Ashkenazi Transliteration)

Kaddish (Sephardi Transliteration)

Kaddish (Russian Transliteration)

El Molay Rachamim -- God Full of Compassion

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 - Russian

A Meditation Based on the 23rd Psalm

A Prayer of Moses, Man of God Psalm 90

Psalm 91

A Prayer of the Afflicted Psalm 102: 1-13, 24--29

Shiva, in Hebrew, means "seven." Traditionally this refers to the first seven days of mourning that are observed following the burial of one's loved one. Mourning a loved one properly is the ultimate gift that one can give to the one who has passed on. It is also a mitzvah that benefits both the mourner and the one who is mourned. One should be willing and proud to follow the ways of his or her ancestors during this most sensitive and trying time.

The First Three Days of Shiva

God is Our Refuge, and Our Strength

Prayer for Lighting a Shiva/Memorial Candle

We Rise Up to Face the Tasks of Life Once More

Kindling the Shiva/Memorial Candle

Yahrzeit is a Yiddish word meaning “a year’s time” and it is the remembrance of the anniversary of a loved one’s death. It is observed each year on the date of death.

Perhaps the best known custom for observing a Yahrzeit is lighting a candle made to burn for at least 24 hours. We light the candle at home in the evening that the Yahrzeit begins, and it is a symbol of the soul and spirit of the deceased. If a Yahrzeit falls on Shabbos or on a Holiday, the candle is typically lit before the Shabbos or holiday candles. Although there is no formal blessing when lighting the candle, a meditation may be said. It is appropriate, of course, to use your own words and thoughts in addition to, or in place of a meditation.

A Yahrzeit Memorial Reflection

Meditation on the Yahrzeit Memorial Candle

Meditation for Kindling the Yahrzeit Memorial Candle

Thought on Lighting the Yahzeit Memorial Candle

A collection of readings and meditations from TaNaCh (Scriptures), Apocrypha, Talmud, Midrash and Rabbis

Aishes Chayil - A Woman of Value Proverbs 31: 10-31

Aishes Chayil - Russian Proverbs 31: 10-31

A Time for Everything Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

On the Death of the Young II Samuel 12:16-23

Fear Not Death The Wisdom of ben Sira - Ecclesiasticus

Reflection from the Wisdom of Solomon Wisdom of Solomon 3: 1-4

Thoughts on the Death of A Young Person Wisdom of Solomon

Coming for the Sake of the Commandment of Comforting Mourners Moed Kattan 21b

Comforting A Mourner Avos de-Rebbe Nasan 14

Deeds and Faith Before the Heavenly Court Shabbos 31a

Deeds Speak for Themselves Mishnah Eduyos 5:7

A Good Name is Better than Precious Oil Berachos 17a

And David Slept with His Fathers Bava Basra 116a

You Should Follow the Ways of the Holy One, Blessed Be He Sotah 14a

How Does a King Mourn? Lamentations Rabbah 1:1, #1

And Behold, It Was Very Good Genesis Rabbah 9:5

Meditation from Mishle Shualim Mishle Shualim by Berachyah Ha-nakdan (1260)

Meditation from the Rokeach Rokeach - R. Elazar of Worms (d. 1238)

Meditation from Sefer Chassidim Sefer Chasidim, R. Judah the Pious (d. 1217)