Lisa Braver Moss

Saying Kaddish for Bad Parents

This prayer praises God in the face of profound loss. Does it matter that the author’s parents were lost to her even while they were still alive?

kaddish

I’ve always been a bit ambivalent about observing my parents’ yahrzeits. For one thing, neither Mom nor Dad had the temperament for traditional ritual observance — and they were skeptical, even scornful, of those who did.

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When “Doing Jewish” Works

The articles in this special section:

The Making of a Viking Jewess

Nina Lichtenstein

This Scandinavian socialist embraced her boyfriend’s NRA-supporting, right-wing Orthodox family when she converted to Judaism. After her 25-year marriage comes unglued, her Jewish identity is what sticks.

Saying Kaddish for Bad Parents

Lisa Braver Moss

This prayer praises God in the face of profound loss. Does it matter that the author’s parents were lost to her even while they were still alive?