When Leon Wieseltier's father died, he began to observe the traditional year-long period of mourning, going to the synagogue three times a day to recite the prayer known as the mourner's Kaddish. Struck by the profound yet unexpected power of this practice and the poverty of his knowledge about it, he began to study the history and meaning of this ancient ritual. Kaddish provides a record of his journey of discovery, as he wrestles with questions of faith and reason while reflecting on the life of his father and of his people.