In Jewish tradition, what is the prayer recited for the deceased by direct mourners?

The prayer recited for the deceased by direct mourners in Jewish tradition is Kaddish. This prayer holds significant importance as it is recited in memory of loved ones who have passed away. Kaddish serves as a way for mourners to honor the deceased while also affirming their faith in God. Traditionally, it is recited in the presence of a minyan, which is a quorum of ten adult Jews, and is often said during daily prayers as well as during significant prayer services.

Kaddish is distinctive because it does not explicitly mention death or the deceased, focusing instead on the sanctification of God’s name and expressing hope for peace. This reflects the belief in the continuing bond between the living and the deceased. The act of saying Kaddish serves as a crucial part of the mourning process, allowing mourners to publicly acknowledge their grief and connect with their community during this poignant time.

In contrast, Yahrzeit refers to the anniversary of a person's death, El Maleh Rachamim is a prayer for the soul of the deceased typically recited at funerals and memorials, and Shema is a declaration of faith in one God, primarily recited during daily prayers but not specifically for mourning purposes.