
A Yahrzeit candle, also known as a memorial candle, is a candle that is lit in memory of the dead in Judaism. The word Yahrzeit means anniversary in Yiddish, specifically referring to the anniversary of a person's death. These candles are traditionally lit for deceased relatives, such as parents, spouses, siblings, and children, and are often used on holidays as well. Yahrzeit candles can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon, Target, and specialty funeral service providers like Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care Monument Division. They are also available at stores like Tom Thumb, which offers the Holyland Yahrzeit Candle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Yahrzeit candle |
| Other names | Yahrtzeit candle, memorial candle, ner neshama ("candle for the soul" in Hebrew), yortsayt likht ("anniversary candle" in Yiddish) |
| Description | A candle lit in memory of the dead in Judaism |
| Lighting time | Sunset when the Yahrzeit date begins (in the Hebrew calendar, days begin at sunset) |
| Number of candles | One per household, but individual family members may each light their own |
| Occasions | Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays |
| Prayers/blessings | No special prayers or blessings are required, but families may choose to recite Psalms 23, 121, 130, or 142 |
| Who to light for | Traditionally, deceased relatives for whom one would recite the Mourner's Kaddish (parents, spouses, siblings, and children), but can also be lit for others |
| Where to buy | Amazon, Target, Tom Thumb |
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What You'll Learn
- Yahrzeit candles are available at online retailers like Amazon and Target
- Funeral homes such as Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care Inc. also offer them
- They are lit on the anniversary of a person's death, at sundown
- There are no special prayers or blessings that must be recited when lighting the candle
- Yahrzeit candles are often used for havdalah after Yom Kippur

Yahrzeit candles are available at online retailers like Amazon and Target
Yahrzeit candles are a type of candle used in Judaism to remember the dead. The custom of lighting a yahrzeit candle comes from the Book of Proverbs 20:27, which says, "The soul of man is a candle of the Lord." The word "yahrzeit" means "anniversary" or "anniversary [of a person's death]" in Yiddish. These candles are also called "ner neshama" in Hebrew, which translates to "candle for the soul."
In addition to online retailers, yahrzeit candles can also be found at funeral homes or specialty Jewish shops. Some sources suggest that Shabbat candles can be used as a substitute for yahrzeit candles if needed.
When using a yahrzeit candle, it is important to follow certain traditions and customs. The candle is typically lit at sundown when the Yahrzeit date begins, as days in the Hebrew calendar commence at sunset. While there are no mandatory prayers or blessings, families may choose to recite psalms or share memories of the deceased. It is also worth noting that only one yahrzeit candle is usually lit per household, but individual family members may opt to light their own candles as well.
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Funeral homes such as Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care Inc. also offer them
Yahrzeit candles, also known as memorial candles, are lit in memory of the dead in Judaism. The custom of lighting a yahrzeit candle comes from the Book of Proverbs 20:27, "The soul of man is a candle of the Lord." The word "yahrzeit" means "anniversary" or "anniversary of a person's death" in Yiddish.
Funeral homes such as Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care Inc. offer a variety of funeral services, including yahrzeit candles. They serve Rockville, MD, and the surrounding communities in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The funeral home provides support and guidance to families, offering a wide range of services such as funeral pre-planning, casket selection, and grief support. Their website invites those interested to learn more about their services, including advanced funeral pre-planning, green burial options, and traditional funeral and burial services.
Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care Inc. is a top-rated Jewish funeral home that takes pride in offering competitive prices while maintaining the highest standards of service and care. They are available 24/7, 365 days a year, and their contact information is readily available on their website. The company is known for its compassionate and professional staff, providing memorable and dignified services to those in their time of need.
The funeral home's website also offers specific guidance on the use of yahrzeit candles. They explain that the candle is lit at sundown when the Yahrzeit date begins, and while there are no special prayers or blessings required, families may choose to recite appropriate Psalms or share memories of the deceased. Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care Inc. ensures that those seeking their services can find the support and resources necessary to honour their loved ones' memories.
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They are lit on the anniversary of a person's death, at sundown
Yahrzeit candles, also known as memorial candles, are lit in Judaism to remember the dead. The word "yahrzeit" means "anniversary" in Yiddish, specifically the anniversary of a person's death. The custom of lighting a yahrzeit candle comes from the Book of Proverbs 20:27, which says, "The soul of man is a candle of the Lord."
In Jewish tradition, the candle is lit at sundown on the anniversary of a person's death. This is because days in the Hebrew calendar begin at sunset. Only one candle is usually lit per household, but individual family members may each light their own candle. If the candle will be unattended, it should be placed on a safe surface.
There are no special prayers or blessings that must be recited when lighting a yahrzeit candle. However, families may choose to share memories of the deceased or recite appropriate Psalms, such as Psalms 23, 121, 130, or 142. Yahrzeit candles are also lit on holidays, such as Sukkot, and after Yom Kippur, when a fire that has burned since before the holiday is required.
Yahrzeit candles can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon, Target, and Tom Thumb. Funeral homes, such as Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care, may also offer these candles.
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There are no special prayers or blessings that must be recited when lighting the candle
Yahrzeit candles, also known as memorial 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 custom of lighting a yahrzeit candle comes from the Book of Proverbs 20:27, which says, "The soul of man is a candle of the Lord."
While there are no special prayers or blessings that must be recited when lighting a yahrzeit candle, the moment can be used to remember the deceased or for introspection. Families may share memories of the departed or recite appropriate Psalms, such as Psalms 23, 121, 130, or 142. The candle is typically lit at sundown when the Yahrzeit date begins in the Hebrew calendar. Only one candle is usually lit per household, but individual family members may choose to light their own candles as well.
Yahrzeit candles can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon, Target, and Tom Thumb. They are also available from funeral care services such as Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care Monument Division in Rockville, MD. These candles come in different sizes, including 2.65 oz and 2.75 oz.
Additionally, yahrzeit candles are used for specific rituals and holidays. For example, havdalah after Yom Kippur requires a fire that has burned since before the holiday, and yahrzeit candles are often used for this purpose. Similarly, on all holidays, the yahrzeit candle should be lit in the place of eating, including Sukkot.
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Yahrzeit candles are often used for havdalah after Yom Kippur
Yahrzeit candles are a type of memorial candle used in Judaism to commemorate the dead. The word "yahrzeit" means "anniversary" or "anniversary of a person's death" in Yiddish, and the candles are often lit on the anniversary of a loved one's death according to the Hebrew calendar. The tradition is to light the candle at sundown and let it burn for 24 hours.
Yahrzeit candles are also used during certain Jewish holidays, including Yom Kippur. On holidays such as Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot, and Rosh Hashana, it is forbidden to light a new fire, but one can light a flame from an existing flame for specific purposes. Therefore, a yahrzeit candle is often lit before the holiday so that a flame is available if needed.
Havdalah is a Jewish ceremony that marks the end of Shabbat and certain Jewish holidays, including Yom Kippur. Since Havdalah after Yom Kippur requires a fire that has been burning since before the holiday, yahrzeit candles are often used for this purpose. These candles are long-lasting and can burn for 48 or even 72 hours, making them suitable for holidays that last multiple days.
Yahrzeit candles can be purchased at Judaica stores, supermarkets, funeral homes, and online retailers such as Amazon. They are often packaged inside glass jars and are sometimes given out for free at mausoleums.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy a Yahrzeit candle from Target or H-E-B.
A Yahrzeit candle is lit to honour the anniversary of a loved one's passing.
A Yahrzeit candle has a burn time of about 26 hours.










































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