The Mourner's Kaddish is one of Judaism's oldest and most cherished prayers. It has been recited for centuries by those mourning the loss of a loved one and by communities remembering those who have died.

One of the remarkable things about the Kaddish is that it never speaks of death. Instead, it is a prayer that affirms the holiness and preciousness of life. Even in the midst of grief, it reminds us to find strength in one another and to continue living in ways that honor the memory of those we have loved.

While mourning is an intensely personal experience, Judaism teaches that no one should mourn alone. The Mourner's Kaddish is traditionally recited in the presence of a minyan — a community of ten Jewish adults. The minyan is more than a number. It is a reminder that grief is meant to be shared, and that those who mourn are supported by the presence, compassion, and strength of their community.

Today, each of us becomes part of that community. Whether you are Jewish or not, religious or secular, your presence here is an act of remembrance and a gift of support to those who loved Marshall.

Before we recite the Kaddish together, I'd like to share a reading that beautifully expresses how those we love continue to live in our hearts and in our memories.