Yeet'gadal v'yeet'kadash sh'mey rabba...
A mourner says Kaddish after the death of a parent, spouse, sibling or child. A person says Kaddish for a parent for 11 months during daily services (held three times per day) where there is a minyan present. For all others, Kaddish is said for only 30 days.
Beyond this, Kaddish is recited every year on the day of the Yahrtzeit (Hebrew anniversary of death).
Those who are unable to fulfill the obligation of saying Kaddish with a minyan, can arrange to sponsor someone to do it on their behalf.
The soul of a person lives on after death, and every year (on the anniversary of death) the soul of the deceased has a new "judgment," a new opportunity for eternal elevation. Since the deceased soul obviously cannot do good deeds in this world, the "judgment" is based on deeds that the person's loved ones are doing in his/her memory.
One important way to elevate the deceased's soul is by saying Kaddish. Kaddish does not mention the dead, but is rather a praise of God. We declare that even though we have suffered a loss, we acknowledge that God knows best, and we place our trust in Him.
By saying Kaddish, it is considered a merit for the deceased to be the cause, so to speak, of having this praise of God expressed publicly.
Kaddish is one of the ways, along with studying Torah, giving charity, performing meritorious deeds -- in your loved one's name -- that you can do to make a real difference to someone for eternity.
The saying of Kaddish directly across from the Western Wall is one of the most meaningful ways to show your love and we appreciate you entrusting us with this holy task.
Click here for the hebrew words and english translation of Kaddish.
