[RichardRose]

Greetings All:
I am seeking a bit of information. I an a non-practicing cultural Jew. I have just learned that my father, who is 88 and another non-practicing cultural Jew, will die soon of cancer. I had just enough Hebrew school left in me to decide to see what the Kaddish looked like in English.
I just read a translation and I guess I don't get it. This seems like a very standard "praise G-d" type of prayer. With the exception of the first line, which seems to carry a meaning of accepting things as they are (something I am not particularly inclined to do at the moment, I see nothing here that would be of particular significance at the time of someone's death. In fact, I see nothing that would be of any particular significance at any time. The text seems very "vanilla" to me.
OK, so what am I missing?
Thanks for your help,
Rich in Denver

[mcmama]

As a non jew, I can only tell you that in a mixed family I am good friends with, this was done - and the reason for it even though very few people at the funeral were Jewish, it was important to the stepmom who had died.

I am sorry for the imminent passing of your father - cancer is painful, and going through this phase of preparation and finality is also very painful for you.

Perhaps the prayer will have more meaning for you when you do it. As I understand it, the prayer has the effect of boosting faith at a time when we are at risk for doubt. By praising G-d's name, by doing so in front of other mourners, the deceased's family affirm their faith. It also honors your father, as he has raised a faithful son.

It is a wonderful thing to hear at a time of loss, even for someone who is not Jewish.

[miriammetzinger]

Hello:
I ams sorry to hear your loved one is sick. I am praying for a miracle that he will recover and you will not have to say Kaddish.

Concerning your question, I can see why you find the prayer puzzling. Yes, it is praising G-d the way many of our prayers do. But what makes Kaddish so special?

During the year we say Kaddish, the sould of the loved one is undergoing purification. He or she cannot pray or do mitzvos (commandments) themselves. They need us to praise G-d that he will have mercy on them and that they will be judged favorably. Therefore, it is up to us to do the praying for this person, who is no longer able to, at such a crucial time.

And by praising G-d, we are winning G-d's favor on behalf of the person.

Shabbat Shalom and have a meaningful Shavuot
Miriam Metzinger