Leon Wieseltier has brought many thoughts to ponder in his excellent and intense book, “Kaddish“. I can not say enough about the book, which Wieseltier originally wrote as a journal, reflecting on his mourning process for his father.

According to a blurb by the publisher, “Children have obligations to their parents: the Talmud says “one must honor him in life and one must honor him in death.” Leon Wieseltier, a diligent but doubting son, recites the Jewish prayer of mourning at his father’s grave, and then embarks on the traditional year of saying the kaddish daily.”

I, myself, am awestruck at the intensity of the book, “Kaddish“. From the emotional aspects of Wieseltier’s year of mourning his father, to the meditative aspect, to the almost-psychic vibrations, to the well-researched historical documentation, “Kaddish” is a must have for all those who want a better understanding of the Jewish practice of reciting Kaddish for those loved ones who have died.

Wieseltier journeyed through history by traveling, pouring through pages and pages of documents and books, interviewing others, and by turning inward, to learn about the whys and wherefores of the meaning of the Kaddish prayer, and why Jews recite Kaddish.  He is often dogmatic in his expressiveness, adhering to strict fact and logic, but he also infuses emotion within some of the pages.  Time and place are dominate forces within the book, and his thoughts and writings almost verge on metaphyscial at times.  He is often surprised by his own answers and conclusions, and extremely overwhelmed by his experiences, causing him to reevaluate his own spiritual beliefs.

I highly recommend “Kaddish“, by Leon Wieseltier, to everyone, no matter your spiritual beliefs, or non-beliefs, as it is of compelling historical and religious value. The content is an amazing tribute to not only Wieseltier’s father, but a tribute to why Jews recite the Kaddish prayer.

**Today, America celebrates the holiday of Memorial Day. Memorial Day honors all the American men and women who died while in military service, during any war. Memorial Day initially was known as “Decoration Day”, to honor those Union soldiers who fought in the U.S. Civil War. It now encompasses all wars.

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I personally own and have read this book.