A Teaching on the Power of Tefillah
by Ram ben Ze'ev
The גמרא (Gemara) in מסכת פסחים (Masechet Pesachim) 50b states:
אל יאמר אדם בלשון ארמי ולא יבקש צרכיו בלשון ארמי שאין מלאכי השרת מכירים בלשון ארמי
"A person should not speak in Aramaic, nor should he pray in Aramaic, because the ministering angels do not recognize that language."
Yet, קדיש (Kaddish) is in ארמית (Aramit – Aramaic), as are parts of תפילה (tefillah – prayer), such as בריך שמיה (Berech Shemei) from the זהר הקדוש (Holy Zohar). How do we reconcile this with the גמרא (Gemara)?
Kaddish is Not a Private Request
The גמרא (Gemara) refers to personal prayers, which מלאכי השרת (malachei hasharet – ministering angels) elevate. Since קדיש (Kaddish) is a public sanctification of שם שמים (Shem Shamayim – the Name of Heaven), it goes directly to הקדוש ברוך הוא (HaKadosh Baruch Hu – The Holy One, Blessed be He). The ריף (Rif) and רמב"ן (Ramban) affirm that ציבור (tzibbur – communal) prayers do not require angelic intercession.
Kaddish Was Composed for the People
The מהרל (Maharal) explains that Kaddish was in Aramaic because most יהודים (Yehudim – Jews) of that time spoke it. The חכמים (Chachamim – sages) wanted all יהודים (Yehudim) to understand and actively sanctify G-D’s name. Similarly, תרגום אונקלוס (Targum Onkelos) was used so that Torah remained accessible.
Not All Tefillot Require Angels
The תוספות (Tosafot) on מסכת שבת (Masechet Shabbat) 12b state that some תפילות (tefillot – prayers) reach הקדוש ברוך הוא (HaKadosh Baruch Hu) directly. The בן איש חי (Ben Ish Chai) adds that ציבור (tzibbur – communal) prayers do not rely on מלאכים (malachim – angels), and קדיש (Kaddish), a praise of G-D, is accepted immediately.
The Gemara’s Restriction is Not Absolute
The באר שבע (Be’er Sheva) explains that the גמרא (Gemara) in מסכת פסחים (Masechet Pesachim) 50b discourages personal prayers in Aramaic, not public declarations like Kaddish.
Conclusion: No Contradiction, Only a Distinction
Kaddish remains in Aramaic because:
It is not a personal request but a public sanctification.
It was composed for the people to ensure participation.
It reaches הקדוש ברוך הוא (HaKadosh Baruch Hu) directly, without angels.
Even when spoken in a language מלאכים (malachim – angels) do not recognize, יהא שמיה רבא מברך לעלם ולעלמי עלמיא (Yehei Shemei Rabba Mevorach LeOlam ULeOlmei Olmaya – May His great Name be blessed forever and ever) ascends straight to הקדוש ברוך הוא (HaKadosh Baruch Hu).
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue. Bill White also writes on Substack under the byline "Bill White Says..."