Yahrzeit is the Jewish custom of honoring the anniversary of a loved one’s death. Observed from nightfall to nightfall on the Hebrew calendar, Yahrzeit provides an opportunity to remember the deceased through acts of remembrance and prayer.
Key Prayers Recited During Yahrzeit
There are two main prayers associated with Yahrzeit:
Reciting the Kaddish
The Kaddish is a prayer that praises God on behalf of someone who has died. It’s traditionally recited by mourners, often in a group setting.
Kel Maleh Rachamim
The Kel Maleh Rachamim is a prayer for the soul of the person who has died. It’s often said in the synagogue.
You can also recite Kel Maleh Rachamim at home, especially if the Yahrzeit falls on a Jewish holiday or during a month that’s traditionally considered joyous.
Other Yahrzeit Observances
In addition to reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish, there are other customs people follow when observing a yahrzeit.
Yahrzeit Candle
The yahrzeit candle symbolizes the light of the soul.
Most people light a yahrzeit candle on the eve of the yahrzeit and allow it to burn for a full 24 hours.
Prayers at the graveside
Many people visit the cemetery on the yahrzeit.
While there, it’s traditional to say prayers, such as Psalms, at the gravesite of the person who died.
How to determine the Yahrzeit date
Yahrzeit follows the Hebrew calendar, which is different from the Gregorian calendar. To find the correct date, you’ll need to convert the date of death from the Gregorian calendar to the corresponding date on the Hebrew calendar. Several online tools and Jewish calendars can assist with this conversion.
Summary
Yahrzeit is a sacred time for reflection, prayer, and remembrance. Observing yahrzeit each year provides an opportunity to honor the lives of those we have lost.
By continuing the tradition of yahrzeit, we ensure that the memory of our loved ones lives on, generation after generation.