Physical and spiritual, right and wrong and productive and destructive actions all have their place in this world. In the next world, the world of the soul, one experiences the consequences, both positive and negative, of how one lived in this world. In the life of this world, one can always grow, change, improve and live a more soul-focused life. After death, the time for achieving has passed. Nonetheless there remains a way, a powerful way, that the soul can gain new levels of elevation even after death. The living, particularly children, have the ability to enhance the condition of a departed soul in the afterlife.
The living, particularly children, have the ability to enhance the condition of a departed soul in the afterlife.
Children are an extension of their parents and a profound connection always exists between them, even after death. Because of this enduring connection, the actions of children in this world can impact the soul of a parent in the next world. When a child does something good, meritorious and holy, and does so specifically to benefit the soul of a departed parent, the parent’s soul is elevated. Even without conscious intent, the good that children do, elevates the parent’s soul.
Kaddish is a deeply meaningful way to benefit a soul, but not the only way. The study of Judaism is a very meaningful way to bring elevation to a departed soul. For this reason, it is common for people to dedicate time to study about Judaism in memory of someone who has passed away. (Click below for specifics on how you can do this.) Another way to bring elevation to a soul is by giving charity (
tzedaka) or doing acts of kindness in memory of the departed. When one brings goodness into this world in memory of someone who has died, then the departed person essentially becomes the catalyst for that good. As the catalyst and cause of that good, the departed soul is elevated by it. (Click below to find out how to make a
donation or
volunteer a small amount of time as a merit for the soul of a loved one.)
