Yahrzeit

In Jewish tradition, when the year of mourning is over, mourners are expected to return to a fully normal life. There are several occasions each year when our loved ones who have passed on are memorialized. The most significant of these is yahrzeit, the anniversary of the death, which is usually observed according to the Hebrew calendar though we are happy to accommodate those who would prefer to observe yahrzeit according to the Gregorian calendar. As is the case in all Jewish holy days, yahrzeit observance begins at night. A 24-hour candle is lit and one may attend synagogue to recite the Kaddish [the memorial prayer]. In our community, names are read on the Shabbat (Friday evening) service before the yahrzeit date.

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