Specialized Memorials - Sources

Memorializing the Soul through Mishnah Study

“On a mystical level, there is a direct connection of Mishnah to the departed soul. This is derived from the relationship in Hebrew of the terms ‘soul’ (נשמה) and ‘Mishnah’ (משנה), which utilize the same letters transposed. As such, Mishnah study brings about spiritual elevation to the soul.” (P’nei Boruch 39:13, note 25)

“Our Sages have said that Asher, son of the Patriarch Jacob, sits at the entrance to Gehinnom (Purgatory), and saves [from entering therein] anyone on whose behalf Mishnah is being studied. This is derived from the verse (Genesis 49:20) ‘From Asher, his bread is fat.’ The word ‘is fat’, (שמנה) in Hebrew has the same letters as both ‘soul’ (נשמה), and the word ‘Mishnah’ (משנה), when the letters are transposed. This alludes to the fact that Mishnah is the ‘bread,’ or sustenance, of the soul in the next world, and that Asher is the one who saves the departed soul from the torments of Purgatory in the merit of Mishnah study. In fact, Mishnah study has an even greater power to achieve rectification for the soul of the departed than one’s leading the congregation in communal prayer on behalf of the departed soul.”
(ibid)

“The study of the Six Orders of Mishnah on behalf of the deceased during the first year after passing, can save the departed soul from (the punishment of) reincarnation (gilgul).” (Reincarnation is a painful and difficult ordeal for the soul.)
(L’Olam Hevei Ratz L’Mishnah: Introductory notes to some Mishnah editions)

“There is an opinion that one should study one chapter of Mishnah before retiring [each night]. An allusion to this is the commonality of the Hebrew letters of “Mishnah” (משנה) and “Neshomah” (נשמה) - soul, albeit in transposed form, indicating that in the merit of Mishnah study, the soul ascends [each night] on High.”
(ibid)

"A question was posed to the Chafetz Chayim by a family from Kletzk, who were debating whether or not they should incur the extra expense of burying a family member in Israel. The Chafetz Chayim responded that it would be of more benefit to the deceased to use the money to support Torah study, rather than to use it for burial in Israel."
(Aleinu L'Shabaiach Vol. II, page 537)

Kaddish

“The sages of the Midrash attach great significance to the daily recital of Kaddish by the children of the dear departed. This recital of the praises of G-d redeems their parents from the punishments of Gehinnom (Purgatory) and elevates them in Heaven.”
(P’nei Boruch, 34:1)

“If the children are unable to recite Kaddish themselves, they can arrange for a proxy to do so. This is a great comfort and merit for the departed soul.”
(ibid, 34:26)

Yizkor

“Great is charity, which removes one from the judgment of Gehinnom (Purgatory)… The main point of the Remembrance of Souls is to give charity in the merit of the departed.”
(Gesher HaChayim, 31:1)

“…From here we learn that donations that the living give in the merit of the deceased, have a great benefit for the deceased.”
(ibid)

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Provide eternal merit for those dear to you...
...through Mishnah study.