Q: May a convert to Judaism receite Mourner’s Kaddish for his parents as they are non-Jews?
A: Someone who converts to Judaism is considered as a re-born person. Through study and practice they leave their previous world behind and join an entirely new world. Hence, they take on a Hebrew name that indicates a new patrilineal assignment. “Ben” or “bat” Avraham (son or daughter of Abraham) becomes their new lineage. Their soul becomes realigned and connected with all our Jewish forbears wending their way through the epochs. In effect, they sever their relationship with their non-Jewish kin and take on a whole new family.
For these reasons someone who has converted is not required to recite Kaddish for their deceased non-Jewish relatives. Yet, if love burns strongly for their family of origin, there is no rabbinic prohibition or objection to saying Kaddish as a final act of love.
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