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We Jews love our forebears. They remain a part of who we are, even after our attempts to recreate that effect for our progeny. So, it should come as no surprise that we have been reciting YIZKOR (remembrance for the departed) prayers since the time of the Geonim (550-1000 CE). However, a bit surprising is the fact that the E-L MALEH RACHAMIM (God full of Compassion) prayer is only from the beginning of the 1600’s, and is still mostly recited by Ashkenazic Jews. I’d like to share an idea about that very emotional component of our liturgy.