Remembering loved ones on their anniversary is one of the most significant rituals observed by Jews worldwide. The date of passing away, known as Yahrtzeit, is a noble tradition in Judaism that upholds the teaching of Kabbalah and reaffirms the belief that all the spiritual achievements of a person throughout life keep radiating and revealing in the world and Heaven on the death anniversary. On that day, the soul manifests in its fullest glory and is at its greatest strength. In Judaism, people believe that with each passing year, the soul’s radiance keeps increasing and reaches a peak on the anniversary day while shining through the world and Heavens. On that day, the soul attains a greater spiritual level in its quest to get closer to God.
Jews follow the Hebrew date and not the Gregorian calendar when observing the anniversary.
Lighting candles for remembrance
According to custom, Jews observe Yahrtzeit by lighting candles on the Hebrew death anniversary at sundown, which marks the beginning of the day as per the Hebrew calendar.
The tradition of observing the death anniversary of loved ones includes lighting a special type of candles known as yizkor candles. These candles, mostly packed inside glass jars, look resplendent and are available at Judaica stores, supermarkets as well as online. These candles have a holy significance and are so much ingrained in the Jewish culture that Jews not only lit these on death anniversaries but also Shemini Atzeret, Yom Kippur, Passover, and Shavuot, the four Jewish holidays, and even on Yizkor, a Jewish memorial service.
If Shabbat coincides with the death anniversary, then one must first light the candles meant for the anniversary, followed by lighting candles for Shabbat.
Silent celebration for the souls of the deceased
The celebration begins at homes on the eve of the date of the death anniversary by lighting candles during sunset. The design of the candles ensures that they remain lit for 25 hours at a stretch so that they keep glowing through the entire day of the anniversary, only to burn out slowly while lasting for the duration.
However, the observance of death anniversary in a synagogue is a bit different, including reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish during services. Most synagogues carry plaques bearing the names of the deceased who were members or the loved ones lost by the current members. Often, synagogues raise money by selling these plaques for raising money for the congregation. It is customary to illuminate the plaque on the anniversary day or week of the passing away of the loved ones.
Since the observance of the death anniversary is an important Jewish ritual, people try to remember the dates carefully to pay obeisance to the departed souls. However, since there could be too many dates to remember, there are chances of forgetting some dates. To ensure that people do not regret missing the date of death anniversaries, The National Jewish Memorial Wall website and virtual walls maintained by the Virtual Yahrtzeit send reminders to people across the Jewish community free of charge.
