What is behind this idea of Yartzeit- the calendar day on which our loved one has passed away? Doing something in loving memory of our cherished family member is actually a very real thing, that can achieve a very real positive outcome for the soul of he/she who has passed away.

When we pray, say psalms, give charity, or do a mitzva with the specific intent of doing so in memory of the deceased, It causes an elevation to their soul– meaning their soul goes to a higher and better place in the next world, and has a closer connection to G-d!

The Kaddish prayer is customarily said in memory of a Jewish relative for a year’s time after their passing and then each year on the day of their Yartzeit. Additionally, one can say psalms and/or give charity as an additional elevation to their soul.

Unfortunately, Kotel Prayers does not offer the option of saying the kaddish prayer, but it does offer to recite psalms at the Western Wall in memory of those dear to us. However, if he/she who has passed away is Jewish,  this should not be done instead of saying Kaddish, it should only be done in addition to it.