What is the deeper meaning of kaddish as well as the other Jewish customs connected with death, grief, and mourning? This talk describes the connection between traditional Jewish mourning practices and the kabbalistic view of the journey of the soul. The significance of shiva (seven days of mourning) and shloshim (thirty days) is described as corresponding to phases in the soul's transition away from embodiment. We also look at the meaning of observing a yarhzeit (anniversary of passing) and Yizkor (memorial prayer recited on holidays) from the perspective of honoring the soul's journey.