What is Yizkor?
In the Yizkor service, we come together as a community to remember those we’ve loved and have shaped us into who we are today. The essence of Yizkor comes from its Hebrew root- zachor, “to remember.” We ask God to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us, and “to bind them in the bonds of life.”
Yizkor is unique because we come together publicly to recite these prayers. Most Jewish mourning rituals are more private. They take place at the funeral chapel, graveside, or in our homes. Instead, this ritual takes place in the synagogue with all the members of our community who have experienced loss. Yizkor is a private moment in a very public setting.
There is a powerful reminder in the duality of this act- the nature of this ritual calls out to remind us that we are not alone.
We each may mourn different people. Each of us has our personal experience of loss that is uniquely our own. Yet by standing together in this moment, we are reminded that others also feel the pain of loss. We are made aware that others also experience the emptiness we face. In our private grief we are pushed to remember the universal roots of our own emotions. Loss is an experience that binds humanity together.
Initially, Yizkor was only recited on Yom Kippur and connected with a custom to give tzedakah in memory of the deceased. The common understanding was that by performing a mitzvah in honour of someone who has died would help their soul rise up to Olam Haba, “the world to come.”
A more modern understanding is that by performing mitzvot in honour of someone we have lost, we make a powerful statement about the legacy they have left behind. Even though their physical presence may not remain in this world, they continue to impact the world in a very real way. Our deeds become their deeds, and our actions become their actions.
Even though they are no longer with us, they continue to shape the world we live in. Perhaps even decades after they've passed, through us, they can continue to make the world a better place.
As you recite these prayers, remember the person you recite them for not simply in the past tense, but ensure that their memory will impact who you are and how you live. In doing so we can ensure that those we remember will continue to live in our world each and every day.
Yizkor is unique because we come together publicly to recite these prayers. Most Jewish mourning rituals are more private. They take place at the funeral chapel, graveside, or in our homes. Instead, this ritual takes place in the synagogue with all the members of our community who have experienced loss. Yizkor is a private moment in a very public setting.
There is a powerful reminder in the duality of this act- the nature of this ritual calls out to remind us that we are not alone.
We each may mourn different people. Each of us has our personal experience of loss that is uniquely our own. Yet by standing together in this moment, we are reminded that others also feel the pain of loss. We are made aware that others also experience the emptiness we face. In our private grief we are pushed to remember the universal roots of our own emotions. Loss is an experience that binds humanity together.
Initially, Yizkor was only recited on Yom Kippur and connected with a custom to give tzedakah in memory of the deceased. The common understanding was that by performing a mitzvah in honour of someone who has died would help their soul rise up to Olam Haba, “the world to come.”
A more modern understanding is that by performing mitzvot in honour of someone we have lost, we make a powerful statement about the legacy they have left behind. Even though their physical presence may not remain in this world, they continue to impact the world in a very real way. Our deeds become their deeds, and our actions become their actions.
Even though they are no longer with us, they continue to shape the world we live in. Perhaps even decades after they've passed, through us, they can continue to make the world a better place.
As you recite these prayers, remember the person you recite them for not simply in the past tense, but ensure that their memory will impact who you are and how you live. In doing so we can ensure that those we remember will continue to live in our world each and every day.
When Is Yizkor Recited?
Yizkor is recited four times a year during the major holidays.
In the Hebrew year 5783, or 2022-2023 in the secular calendar the dates of Yikzor are:
In the Hebrew year 5783, or 2022-2023 in the secular calendar the dates of Yikzor are:
- Yom Kippur - October 5, 2022
- Shemini Atzeret - October 17, 2022
- Passover - April 13, 2023
- Shavuot - May 27, 2023
What Prayers Do we say?
Different communities have different customs of what to include in the Yizkor service. Various psalms, readings, or songs are used to set the mood. The main section is the actual prayer of remembrance shown in the next section. Often El Malei, the memorial prayer recited at a funeral is included. Some communities add addition memorial prayers for those who were murdered in the Shoah, victims of terrorism, or for members of the synagogue. Lastly, many communities will also recite the mourners kaddish as part of the Yizkor service.
When do I light the candle?
Traditionally one lights a memorial candle in honor of their loved one. One can find in a Judaica shop, synagogue, or online special candles that will burn for the whole day.
The candle is lit the night before because that is when the holiday begins in the Jewish calendar.
Traditionally the memorial candle should be allowed to burn for the entire holiday. However it is important that the candle be place somewhere safe, and not be left unattended. One should always err on the side of caution and blow out the candle if you are worried about potential danger. (There are also electric candles one can purchase and use instead, if they are unable to light a traditional candle safely.)
The candle is lit the night before because that is when the holiday begins in the Jewish calendar.
Traditionally the memorial candle should be allowed to burn for the entire holiday. However it is important that the candle be place somewhere safe, and not be left unattended. One should always err on the side of caution and blow out the candle if you are worried about potential danger. (There are also electric candles one can purchase and use instead, if they are unable to light a traditional candle safely.)
Can I recite yizkor at home?
While there is something special about being together as a community and recognizing that loss is a universal experience, one can recite the prayers of yizkor at home. The mourners kaddish is the only prayer that requires one to be with ten Jewish adults, and traditionally it was not recited as part of the yizkor service.
Why do we give tzedakah?
As part of the text of Yizkor we pledge to donate tzedakah in memory of someone to fulfill a mitzvah in their honor. One can also take on other mitzvot, or commandments, to honor their loved one's memory.
Some potential mitzvot are:
Some potential mitzvot are:
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen
- Collect supplies for the those in need
- Visit people in the hospital or nursing home
- Study a Jewish text, or join a class at a synagogue