Death and Burial: Is it appropriate to say Kaddish for non-Jews?
Traditionally, there is little problem having a memorial for non-Jews. Kaddish is not about death; it’s a declaration of faith that the historical process will converge on a state in which G-d’s name and reputation will be glorified and sanctified by all of mankind. It is said when mourning as merit for the deceased and their role in the grand scheme. According to R’ JB Soloveitchik, we say Kaddish in particular to help reconcile personal tragedy with that big picture, to help the mourner work their way out of their personal dungeon of despair. However, the traditional text for Yizkor, the memorial prayer said on holidays, doesn’t work that smoothly for non-Jews, as we ask G-d to bind the soul with those of their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. However, it would be a minor modification, and not in violation of halakhah (Jewish law) to coin a similar one for non-Jews (and depending on the religion of the departed, the traditional wording might still wor
