A common logical structure in the Talmud is called the “tzericha” (“it is necessary”). It is used when there is a phrase that contains two terms A and B that seem to point in the same direction. Why do you need both terms? The Talmud answers “tzericha” (“it is necessary”), and explains as follows: If we had A, but not B, we might think X (an opinion that was incorrect). Therefore, we need B. Similarly, if we had B but not A, we might think Y (another opinion that was incorrect). Therefore we need A. And the discussion concludes with the word “tzericha”—both phrases were needed after all.
The famous opening of the Kaddish—“yitgadal v’yitkadash,” “May G-d’s great name be magnified and sanctified”—is worthy of a tzericha. Why? If we only had yitgadal “May G-d’s great name be magnified” we might imagine, incorrectly, that G-d’s power must be extended by any means necessary: “convert or die,” “morality squads,” “witch hunts,” cruel and unchecked theocratic power. One example: in many Muslim countries, there is a law saying no church or synagogue can be taller than a mosque. A religious version of the childish claim “Mine is bigger than yours.” This is in keeping with P. T. Barnum’s classic line “Say anything you like about me, but spell my name right;” and is standard fare in the world of the internet, where negative publicity works much better than positive publicity.
So we need to add “v’yitkadash” as a corrective. Yes, we want to see G-d’s name promulgated, but only in ways that are consistent with holiness.
On the other hand, if we only had “yitkadash” without “yitgadal” we might imagine that the rightful place for a declaration of G-d’s glory could only be a rigidly controlled “holy” atmosphere, something akin to a monastery. The Christian St. Simeon Stylites, for example, sat alone upon a stone pillar for 37 years. Mazel tov. But the kaddish tells us that G-d’s name is meant to be magnified, and you can’t do that sitting alone in a cave, no matter how spiritually sophisticated you may be.
To be sure, there are within the Jewish world those who overemphasize the “yitgadal” and ignore the “yitkadash”, and others who do the opposite. This is certainly not something that only our Christian or Muslim brethren do. It is part of human nature—a potentially dangerous part of human nature at that.
So therefore: Tzericha.