The Segula of Rabbi Ishmael Ha-Kohen Ha-Gadol and Who First Recited Kaddish

The Segula of Rabbi Ishmael Ha-Kohen Ha-Gadol and Who First Recited Kaddish

The greatest Tanna, Rabbi Ishmael Ha-Kohen Ha-Gadol wrote in his Sefer “Heichalot” that on days when three Torah scrolls are taken from the Ark, special Gates are opened in Heaven. There are four Shabbatot each year on which three Torah scrolls may be taken out: when Rosh Chodesh Adar or Rosh Chodesh Nisan coincides with Shabbat, when the festival of Shemini Atzeret (Simchat Torah) coincides with Shabbat, and when Rosh Chodesh Tevet falls on Shabbat. At these moments, an Et Ratzon arrives—a time of Heavenly favor—a direct connection with the Almighty, when one may ask for everything one needs. Moreover, there is another Et Ratzon on this day, for during every Shabbat prayer we hear Kaddish several times. The Sefer “Heichalot” states that the first to recite Kaddish was David HaMelech in Tehillim 113: “Yehi shem Ha-Shem mevorach me'atah ve'ad olam” — (May the Name of the L-rd be blessed from now and forever). Rabbi Ishmael said in the Sefer “Heichalot”: “In the future, the Holy One, blessed be He, will reveal to Israel the full depth of the Torah ... and David will sing a song before G-d, while the righteous will respond after him: ‘Amen, yehei shmei rabbah mevorach le'alam ule'almei almaya yitbarach’—from the Garden of Eden…”.  Heichalot connects Kaddish (especially its central verse: “May His great Name be blessed forever and ever ...” with a Heavenly prayer that will be repeated at the end of days, when the souls in Gehinnom will finally receive respite. Now it is clear why Kaddish is recited for the souls of those who have departed this world. Rabbi Ishmael calls these words of Kaddish especially effective in awakening G-d’s Mercy—Rachamim. This moment is also an Et Ratzon—a time of Heavenly favor toward the people of Israel. Do not forget, along with your personal requests, to ask for the coming of Mashiach (With thanks to Ora Zaitseva for the idea)