4946 —מספר אמירות קדיש לאבל ומקורותיהם

B"H, 16 Kislev, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a ish rav pe'alim ba'al middot etc. Yosef Eliyahu Anankin

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter regarding the matter of reciting Kaddish—as a continuation to my previous letter on this topic: (a) The statement that Kaddish has an effect for an hour and a half is found in Zohar I, 62b. See also Zohar III, 165a. Although Rav Chaim Vital interprets it differently (also cited in Shiurei Berachah to Yoreh De'ah 376), see what the commentators on the Zohar say about this.

(b) It is known that my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe (apparently based on what is found in his father's will—my revered teacher the Rebbe Maharash—who practiced this during his mourning "except on Yom Tov") instructed that a mourner—may such not occur—should endeavor to say sixteen Kaddishes during the twenty-four hours of each day of mourning. Even though he did not explain his reasoning, it is almost certain that it is based on the above: that sixteen Kaddishes, calculated as an hour and a half per Kaddish, protect all twenty-four hours of the day.

(c) From this instruction it is understood that these matters apply to all mourners—may such not occur—and are not merely a matter for the congregation alone.

(d) One should not question what was said above from sources that mention a different number of Kaddishes—as you cited in your letter—and as I believe I also referenced in my own letters regarding Etz Chaim and Rechovot HaNahar etc., Rav Chaim Vital's introduction to Sha'ar HaHakdamot (printed at the beginning of Etz Chaim), where Tzadi-Kuf stands for ninety Amens, four Kedushahs, ten Kaddishes, one hundred blessings. Note also Tikunei Zohar Tikkun 18 (33a end), which hints at the word tzedakah. There are many aspects and benefits to reciting Kaddish—not only for mourners (for the deceased) to cool Gehinnom. And depending on changes in circumstance, so too does the appropriate number of Kaddishes change. This should be clear.

I conclude with blessings for success in your holy work with the help of Torah and its supporters; those who support Torah even precede Torah itself, but Torah reveals their virtues—as explained at length in many places in chassidic teachings. This is hinted at by our Sages (Bereishit Rabbah Parsha 1:4): six things preceded creation—the Torah etc., Israel etc.; "the thought of Israel preceded everything," "command the children of Israel," "speak to the children of Israel." See also Makkot (22b): Rava said etc. (and elsewhere this apparent contradiction with Kiddushin 33b is already resolved).

With honor and blessing.

Enclosed is something recently published which will surely interest you.

Summary

The Rebbe explains that reciting sixteen Kaddishes daily during mourning follows deep mystical sources and chassidic tradition. He clarifies that different numbers may be cited elsewhere due to varying circumstances or intentions but emphasizes following established custom with understanding.