Jessie Taylor
Yahrzeit candles, also known as memorial candles, are a type of candle that is lit in memory of the dead in Judaism. The word yahrzeit means anniversary or anniversary of a person's death in Yiddish. These candles are lit on the anniversary of a loved one's death and are meant to burn for 24 hours. Yahrzeit candles are also lit on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and on holidays such as Yom Kippur, Passover, and Shavuot. While there are no specific prayers or blessings associated with lighting these candles, some people recite the mourner's Kaddish. The use of Yahrzeit candles is a widely practised custom that is deeply ingrained in Jewish life and mourning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A candle that is lit in memory of the dead in Judaism |
| Translation | "Soul candle" or "Anniversary candle" |
| Etymology | Yiddish: "Yortsayt" from German "Jahr" (year) and "Zeit" (time) |
| Other names | Ner Neshama, Memorial candle |
| Duration | 24 hours |
| Timing | Anniversary of the death on the Hebrew calendar |
| Location | Inside one's home or near the grave of the deceased |
| Occasions | Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, final day of Pesach, Shavuot, Holocaust Remembrance Day |
| Safety concerns | Some families use an electric lamp instead of a candle |
| Purchase | Available at Judaica stores, supermarkets, and online |
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What You'll Learn
Yahrzeit candles are lit on the anniversary of a death
Yahrzeit candles are a type of candle that is lit in memory of the dead in Judaism. The word "yahrzeit" means "anniversary" or, more specifically, "the anniversary of a person's death" in Yiddish. The use of a yahrzeit candle is a widely practised custom, where mourners light a candle that burns for 24 hours on the anniversary of the death on the Hebrew calendar.
The lighting of the candle presents an opportunity to remember the deceased and to spend time in introspection. While there is no formal prayer, this means that mourners can say whatever they wish. Families may choose to share memories of the deceased, while others recite Psalms. The candle is usually lit inside one's home or near the grave of the deceased.
Yahrzeit candles are also lit on Yom Kippur and on the dates when the yizkor prayer is said in the synagogue (Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, the final day of Pesach, and Shavuot). They are also lit on Holocaust Remembrance Day in remembrance of those who were murdered.
The tradition of lighting yahrzeit candles is not mentioned in Jewish law or halakha but has been part of Jewish tradition for centuries and is observed by many Jews.
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They are also lit on certain Jewish holidays
Yahrzeit candles are also lit on certain Jewish holidays, including Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, the last day of Passover, and Shavuot. These are times when the Yizkor memorial prayer service usually takes place in synagogues. The candle is lit before Yom Kippur and before sunset on the other holidays.
On Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot, and Rosh Hashanah, it is forbidden to light a new fire, but it is permitted to light one flame from an existing flame for specific purposes, such as cooking. Therefore, a Yahrzeit candle (or another long-lasting candle) is lit before the holiday, so that a flame is available if needed. Similarly, Havdalah after Yom Kippur requires a fire that has burned since before the holiday, and Yahrzeit candles are often used for this purpose.
The use of Yahrzeit candles on these holidays is not related to mourning but is instead for reasons of convenience. 48-hour and 72-hour candles have also been manufactured for holidays that last more than one day.
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There are no required prayers or blessings
Yahrzeit candles are lit in memory of the dead in Judaism. The word "yahrzeit" means "anniversary" or "anniversary of a person's death" in Yiddish. The use of a yahrzeit candle is a widely practised custom, where mourners light a candle that burns for 24 hours on the anniversary of the death on the Hebrew calendar.
While the ritual of lighting candles is an integral part of many Jewish customs and traditions, there are no required prayers or blessings for the Yahrzeit candles. The absence of formalised prayers or blessings for this specific ritual allows for flexibility and personalisation. Individuals and families are free to choose their own form of expression during this moment of remembrance. They can share anecdotes, reflect on the life of the deceased, and honour their memory in a way that feels most meaningful to them.
The lack of prescribed prayers or blessings for Yahrzeit candles may be attributed to the nature of this tradition as a custom rather than a halacha (Jewish religious law). Customs are often more flexible and adaptable, allowing for individual interpretation and variation within the Jewish community. This flexibility enables Jews who are otherwise unobservant to participate in this custom and find comfort in their own way.
Although there are no mandatory prayers or blessings, some individuals may choose to recite the Mourner's Kaddish or other appropriate Psalms during the lighting of Yahrzeit candles. The Mourner's Kaddish is a prayer that developed in the Middle Ages and became a strongly held custom, though it is not a biblical or rabbinic requirement. Similarly, Psalms 23, 121, 130, or 142 can be recited, providing comfort and reflection during this solemn occasion.
In conclusion, while there are no required prayers or blessings for Yahrzeit candles, this absence allows for personalisation and flexibility in honouring the memory of the deceased. The lighting of the candle itself becomes a powerful symbol of remembrance, providing a moment of introspection and connection to the soul of the departed.
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They are traditionally lit for immediate family members
Yahrzeit candles are a widely practised custom in Judaism. The word "yahrzeit" means "anniversary" or, more specifically, "the anniversary of a person's death" in Yiddish. These candles are lit on the anniversary of a loved one's death, calculated according to the Hebrew calendar, and are meant to burn for 24 hours. They are traditionally lit inside one's home or near the grave of the deceased.
While yahrzeit candles are commonly lit for immediate family members, there is no reason one cannot light them for more distant relatives or friends. The tradition is meant to honour the memory of the deceased and is observed by many Jews, even those who are otherwise unobservant. It is not a requirement of Jewish religious law (halachah) but has become an important part of Jewish life and mourning rituals.
The lighting of the candle is often accompanied by introspection and the sharing of memories, anecdotes, and the impact of the departed. While there are no specific prayers mandated for yahrzeit candles, some people choose to recite the mourner's Kaddish or appropriate Psalms such as Psalms 23, 121, 130, or 142. The candle is also lit before Yom Kippur and on the dates when the yizkor prayer is recited in synagogues.
In addition to their use in mourning, yahrzeit candles are also commonly used on holidays for reasons of convenience. On certain holidays, it is forbidden to light a new fire, but it is permitted to light one flame from an existing flame. Therefore, a yahrzeit candle is lit before the holiday so that a flame is available if needed. They are also used for the havdalah ceremony after Yom Kippur, which requires a fire that has been burning since before the holiday.
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They are available in Judaica stores and kosher supermarket sections
Yahrzeit candles are readily available for purchase at Judaica stores, kosher supermarket sections, and online. They are also offered free of charge at the Beth El Mausoleum. Yahrzeit candles are often packaged inside glass jars.
Judaica stores are shops that sell Jewish ceremonial artefacts and Jewish-themed items. They are the go-to place for Jewish ceremonial items and you will be able to find a variety of Yahrzeit candles there.
Kosher supermarket sections are areas in supermarkets that sell food items that comply with Jewish dietary laws. These sections also often stock Jewish ceremonial items, including Yahrzeit candles.
Online shopping is another option for those who prefer to buy Yahrzeit candles from the comfort of their homes. A simple search engine query will bring up a variety of options for purchasing these candles online.
Lastly, the Beth El Mausoleum offers Yahrzeit candles free of charge. This is a mausoleum in Boca Raton, where Shabbat services are held in the Temple Beth El synagogue.
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