Saying kaddish for my father brought me into many minyans where I was the center of attention—even when I yearned for anonymity

When I wanted to say kaddish for my mother, I found that my options as a woman were limited—and less than welcoming

After my child died, I reconnected with God through prayer—which is the point of Kaddish, on both sides of the mechitza

In a cemetery thousands of miles away, an unexpected host helped me reconnect with my lost friend

Mourning for my mother saw me through anger, doubt, and numbness—and brought me closer to her