Yizkor and memorial candles on the holidays: the four times of the year
Besides the private anniversary, there are four times a year when Yizkor is said in synagogue and a memorial candle is lit at home. Here we explain what they are, why these days, and what may and may not be done on a holiday.
What Yizkor is
Yizkor is a prayer in memory of the departed, said in synagogue after the Torah reading. The name comes from the first word of the prayer, "Yizkor Elokim nishmas," may G-d remember the soul of. In Yizkor we pray for the elevation of the souls of parents and relatives who have passed away, and we pledge charity in their memory. The custom is widely observed among Ashkenazim, and many Sephardi and Mizrachi communities have similar prayers under other names, such as Hashkavah or Azkarah.
The four times
- Yom Kippur, in the morning.
- Shemini Atzeret.
- The last day of Pesach, which is the seventh day in Israel and the eighth day in the diaspora.
- Shavuot, on the second day in the diaspora and on the single day of the holiday in Israel.
On all of them Yizkor is said after the Torah and Haftarah readings and before Musaf. The idea is to remember the departed when the whole community is in synagogue, and on the three pilgrimage festivals to remember them within the joy of the holiday, pledging charity in their memory.
The candle on the eve of the holiday
On the eve of Yom Kippur, before the holiday begins and usually after the final meal, it is customary to light a memorial candle that burns throughout the holiday. Fire may not be kindled on Yom Kippur, so it must be lit before the holiday begins, with a candle that is sure to burn at least 25 hours. Some light a candle for each of the departed, and some light a single candle for all. The custom is also kept by people who do not say Yizkor themselves but whose parents have passed away.
For the other holidays, light the memorial candle before the holiday begins, usually on the eve. On Shemini Atzeret, the last day of Pesach and Shavuot, some light before the holiday, and when a candle must be lit on Yom Tov itself, it is lit from a flame that was burning from before the holiday. On Shabbat a flame may not be transferred, even within a holiday.
The custom of leaving the synagogue
In many Ashkenazi communities, those whose parents are both alive leave the synagogue during Yizkor and return afterward. Various reasons are given, including respect for the mourners and concern for the evil eye. In other communities everyone stays. If you have a question, ask your community rabbi.
The Tenth of Tevet and the general Kaddish day
The Chief Rabbinate of Israel set the Tenth of Tevet as a general day of Kaddish for victims of the Holocaust and for departed whose date of death is unknown. It is customary on that day to say Kaddish, light a candle and gather to study. The day coincides with the fast of the Tenth of Tevet, one of the fast days of the year.
Alongside this, Israel has national days of remembrance such as Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers and Holocaust Remembrance Day, when memorial candles are lit across the country. Those candles are for the whole public, and they allow us to remember the fallen and the six million.
Preparing in advance
- Buy enough memorial candles ahead of time, because the shelves empty before the holidays.
- Check that your candle promises at least 25 hours, especially before Yom Kippur.
- On the eve of Yom Kippur, light some time before the holiday starts, not at the last minute.
- If you do not say Yizkor yourself, you can still join the prayer and pray silently.
- On Yom Tov, do not light a new candle with a match. Use an existing flame.
Questions and answers
When is Yizkor said?
Four times a year: Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, the last day of Pesach and Shavuot.
When do I light a memorial candle on Yom Kippur?
Before the holiday begins, on the eve. It should burn at least 25 hours, because no flame may be kindled on Yom Kippur.
May I light a memorial candle on Yom Tov?
Only from a flame that was burning before the holiday, not from a match. A flame may not be transferred on Shabbat.
What is the general Kaddish day?
The Tenth of Tevet, set by the Chief Rabbinate in memory of those whose date of death is unknown, mainly Holocaust victims.
Do people leave the synagogue during Yizkor?
In many Ashkenazi communities those whose parents are alive do, and in other communities they stay. It depends on local custom.
More guides
- The yahrzeit candle: what it is, when to light it, and how
- How to calculate a Hebrew yahrzeit date: Adar, nightfall and common questions
- Yom Tov candle lighting: an existing flame, Shehecheyanu and Yom Kippur