Yahrzeit Customs

The date given on the Yahrzeit list is the civil date calculated from the actual Hebrew date of death. The Yahrzeit is observed from sunset on the night before until sunset of the day given.

Observance of the Yahrzeit includes lighting a twenty-four hour candle the night before and coming to services to recite Kaddish. Both men and women should fulfill this observance. The name of the loved one is read from the Bimah at the Shabbat services on Friday night and Saturday morning. If the observer would like an honor such as opening the Ark, an Aliyah, etc. please contact Rabbi Scolnic.

Lighting a yahrzeit candle in memory of a loved one is a minhag (custom). While it is not required by halakhah (Jewish law), doing so honors the memory of those no longer with us in life, and it is so deeply ingrained in Jewish life that it is difficult to imagine not doing so. Traditionally, the relationships for whom we light a candle are the same as those for whom we say Kaddish: parents, spouse, siblings, and children.

An act of generosity in memory of a loved is part of our religious tradition. Contributions to TBS are promptly acknowledged. Please visit https://tbshamden.com/give to make a donation online.