Dear Rabbi Simon,
A distant elderly Jewish relative died last month and he chose to be cremated. Is it still appropriate to say Kaddish for him?
Many thanks,
Martin
Dear Martin,
The sombre and distasteful subject of cremation is discussed (and decried) in the Torah literature. The practice has become very common in non-Orthodox circles, and strenuous efforts are sometimes exerted (whether successfully or otherwise) to avoid such an outcome. Nevertheless, after the fact, and on the assumption that the deceased chose cremation more out of ignorance and assimilation (or thrift) rather than rebellion, one may say Kaddish for him.
Best Wishes,
Rabbi Rashi Simon