From a Jewish perspective, however, these practices run counter to the principle of kevod ha-met by turning the body into a thing that is manipulated for the benefit of others. In a tradition where memory is considered a primary obligation and blessing, most people prefer to remember

embedded in Jewish hearts and souls, some find comfort in reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish, or some version of it, as a private meditation or prayer.

The tradition mandates saying Kaddish, with clear directions about how, where, and when it should be said.

In the mouth of the mourner, these words affirm that even death is part of God’s creation.

days to keep them from being treated only as patients, or even worse, as corpses-in-waiting.

Kaddish requires that the mourner wrestle with the text.

there is no denying death—which makes it possible for healing to begin.

one who can be seen but who cannot see—a status that cries out for resolution.

liberal Judaism to seek