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| (Photo: ehow.com) - Notice the small stones sitting on the graves. |
The wisdom of our Jewish traditions always amaze and comfort me. It is traditional to say the following prayer, called Kaddish, beside the grave at a funeral:
May His great Name grow exalted and sanctified
in the world that He created as He willed.
May He give reign to His kingship in your lifetimes and in your days,
and in the lifetimes of the entire Family of Israel,
swiftly and soon.
Now say: Amen.
May His great Name be blessed forever and ever.
Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled,
mighty, upraised, and lauded be the Name of the Holy One
Blessed is He.beyond any blessing and song,
praise and consolation that are uttered in the world. Now say: Amen.
May there be abundant peace from Heaven
and life upon us and upon all Israel.
Now say: Amen.
He Who makes peace in His heights, may He make peace,
May there be abundant peace from Heaven
and life upon us and upon all Israel.
Now say: Amen.
He Who makes peace in His heights, may He make peace,
upon us and upon all Israel.
Now say: Amen.
I find this comforting because it takes the focus off one's grief, and puts the focus on worshiping and praising G-d. The Scriptures tell us to "put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" and this prayer helps us do just that.
Another Jewish custom is to put rocks or stones on the gravestones of loved ones. This is done because flowers fade away, but a stone remains forever, as do our memories of the ones we love.
My husband, Rabbi Jem, said this prayer at the graveside when my mother
was buried a month ago. We will continue to say it yearly, on
the anniversary of her death. We are also comforted with the hope of seeing her again one day in heaven.
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I'm sharing this post with some of my friends at :
Judith’s Wholehearted Wednesday
Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story
Lyli at Thought Provoking Thursdays at 3D Lessons 4Life
Hope in Every Season Homemaking Party
Laura on Faith Filled Friday at Missional Women
Fellowship Fridays at Christian Mommy Blogger
Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays
My Fresh Brewed Life with Barbie – Weekend Brew
Janis with Sunday Stillness
Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at Delightsome Life
The Gathering Spot Link-Up GRAND Social All Things Bright and Beautiful Link-Up
Kathy’s Return to Loveliness at Delightsome Life
The Gathering Spot Link-Up GRAND Social All Things Bright and Beautiful Link-Up
I am so sorry it took so long for me to say Thanks so much for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Deb