Yahrzeit (Yiddish for "anniversary") is a significant observance in Judaism that commemorates the anniversary of the death of a loved one. It is a time for family and friends to remember and honor the memory of the deceased person. The Yahrzeit is observed annually on the Hebrew date of the person's passing, according to the Jewish calendar, which may differ from the date on the Gregorian calendar. The primary custom associated with Yahrzeit is lighting a special memorial candle that burns for approximately 24 hours, usually beginning at sunset on the eve of the Yahrzeit anniversary and lasting until the following evening. The candle symbolizes the eternal soul and is a way to remember and pay tribute to the departed. During Yahrzeit, family members and friends often come together to say prayers, recite the Mourner's Kaddish (a prayer for the deceased), and share memories of the departed person. Some people also visit the gravesite of the loved one on or around the Yahrzeit anniversary. The Yahrzeit serves as a sacred and meaningful moment to honor the memory of those who have passed away and to continue the process of grieving and remembrance. It is a deeply significant tradition in Jewish culture, emphasizing the importance of remembering and cherishing the legacy of the deceased in the hearts of those left behind.
