Parshat Emor
May 9, 2003

Kaddish I

One of the most well known prayers to Jews worldwide is the Kaddish. The word Kaddish is actually Aramaic and means Kadosh – Holy.

The sages discuss why such an important prayer is recited in Aramaic and not in Hebrew. One answer mentioned by the Tur- Rabbi Yaakov 1275-1340 is that angels do not understand the Aramaic language. We do not want the angels to be jealous that we human beings have the capacity to say the great prayer, the Kaddish and they do not; therefore we say it in Aramaic. This answer is enigmatic because why should it be that angels do not understand Aramaic? In addition there are so many beautiful prayers in Hebrew – so how come these prayers do not stir up angelic concern?

A second answer is advanced that states that Kaddish is said after the Rabbis would study with the people. Since the studying was in Aramaic and many of the students did not understand Hebrew, the prayer following the study was also in Aramaic.

These two approaches as to why the Kaddish is in Aramaic represents man’s every day struggle with prayer. On one hand our prayers are so holy and elevated that they impact the heavens and the entire world. They are the envy of the angels! The other side is that for prayers to be meaningful, he/she who is reciting them must understand it.

It is not enough to read the prayers; one must pray them as well. The Kotzker Rebbe used to say that when a Jew takes three steps back after the Amidah he should receive a Shalom Aleichem because his thoughts have been all over the globe.

The antidote is to A) understand the problem, B) learn the meaning(s) of prayers, and C) practice praying them.

Millions of Jews know the Kaddish; but not enough of them know what it means. Prayer is not only an obligation it is also an opportunity. To achieve one must truly understand.

May we all merit to improve our prayer comprehension as well as prayer execution. And may Hashem answer all of our prayers.

Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Ephraim Epstein

*Helpful Hint* Jot down some of the interpretations you learn into the margins of your personal siddur. This will enable you to access and utilize these and other Tefilla tips more easily.