What does word yahrzeit mean?

Definition of yahrzeit
: the anniversary of the death of a parent or near relative observed annually among Jews by the recital of the Kaddish and the lighting of a memorial candle or lamp.
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What does yahrzeit mean?

yahrzeit, (Yiddish: “year time”) also spelled yortzeit, or jahrzeit, in Judaism, the anniversary of the death of a parent or close relative, most commonly observed by burning a candle for an entire day.
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What is the Hebrew word for yahrzeit?

1. Yahrzeit refers to the anniversary, according to the Hebrew calendar, of the day of death of a loved one. Alternative spellings include yahrtzeit, yortsayt, and yartzeit. On the anniversary of a death, it is the custom to light a candle to commemorate the departure of a loved one.
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Where does the word yahrzeit come from?

The word "yahrzeit" (Yiddish: יאָרצײַט yortsayt ) itself means "anniversary" (or more specifically "anniversary [of a person's death]") in Yiddish, originating from German Jahr, year, and Zeit, time. It is customary to light the candle inside one's home, or near the grave of the deceased.
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Is yahrzeit date of death or burial?

The anniversary of a death is called a yahrzeit. It's observed each year on the Hebrew date of death by reciting kaddish at synagogue and by lighting a memorial candle/lamp at home in memory of your loved one. The candle/lamp is lit at sundown the evening before the civil date.
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Shabat Torah Study Year 5989 Yah 27 May 2022



What do you say to someone on a yahrzeit?

What Do You Say During Yahrzeit? During yahrzeit, there are no concrete rules about what you can or can't say. Most people choose to say common Jewish funeral prayers, but any prayers are welcome. People generally choose whatever brings them and loved ones the most comfort.
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What do you say in Hebrew when someone dies?

Often, when someone dies, the traditional Jewish response is “yehi zichra baruch,” which translates to “may her memory be a blessing” or “may her memory be for a blessing.”
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How do you acknowledge the anniversary of a death?

Death Anniversary Ideas
  1. Readings, prayers, Scriptures, poems.
  2. Share memories and stories.
  3. Sing a song (for Christians, here are great hymns to sing)
  4. Listen to a memorial song.
  5. Have a moment of silence.
  6. Ask others to print out and bring photos of your loved one.
  7. Ask others to write down their memories to keep in a memory jar.
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Do you light a yahrzeit candle when someone dies?

Traditionally, Yahrzeit candles are lit for the same deceased relatives for whom one would recite the Mourner's Kaddish (parents, spouses, siblings, and children), but there is no reason one could not light a Yahrzeit candle to honor the anniversary of the death of someone who doesn't fall into one of these categories ...
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What is the yahrzeit prayer?

O God, exalted and full of compassion, grant perfect peace in Your sheltering Presence, among the holy and pure, to the soul of ______, who has gone to his/her eternal home. Master of mercy, we beseech You, remember all the worthy and righteous deed that he/she performed in the land of the living.
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What is the difference between yizkor and Yahrzeit?

Yizkor, which means “remember,” is the memorial service that is recited during those four holidays. Traditionally, a yahrzeit candle is lit prior to the fast beginning on Yom Kippur and before sunset of the other holidays.
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What prayer do you say when lighting a yahrzeit candle?

The human soul is a light from God. May it be your will that the soul of (insert name) enjoy eternal life, along with the souls of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, and the rest of the righteous that are in Gan Eden. Amen.
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Do you say kaddish on Yahrzeit?

Kaddish is also said each year on the anniversary of the death (Yahrzeit) and at Yizkor. The rhythmic cadences of Kaddish are soothing to us both in mourning and over the years as we say it at Yahrzeit and at Yizkor to remember our loved ones.
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What time do you light a yahrzeit candle?

A: Traditionally, the Yahrzeit candle is lit at sunset on the evening preceding the Yahrzeit, (in the Hebrew calendar days begin at sunset).
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Is Yiddish a Germanic language?

The basic grammar and vocabulary of Yiddish, which is written in the Hebrew alphabet, is Germanic. Yiddish, however, is not a dialect of German but a complete language‚ one of a family of Western Germanic languages, that includes English, Dutch, and Afrikaans.
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What does it mean when you put a candle in the window?

A lit candle was often placed in the window when a family member was away or who had died to remember them, letting them know they are missed. It was also seen as a silent prayer for the safe return of the absent person and a sign that someone remained at home tending the fire and waiting.
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Can you listen to music on a yahrzeit?

Is it permitted to listen to music on a yahrzeit? If it is the first yahrzeit, then one may not. Regarding a subsequent yahrzeit, the Taz holds that all the limitations of the year of aveilus apply on that day. According to him, one should not listen to music.
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What is forbidden during Shiva?

Many traditional Shiva restrictions include no wearing of new clothes, no shaving for men, no washing clothes, no bathing.
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What do I say to my mother on her anniversary after my father died?

If you're not sure, you can always reference it more obliquely.
  • “I'm thinking of you as your anniversary approaches.” ...
  • “I know today might be difficult. ...
  • “I know you must be missing [name] a lot today. ...
  • “I always keep you in my prayers, but you've been on my mind even more than usual lately.” ...
  • “I'm so proud of you.
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What to say to someone who lost a loved one?

The Best Things to Say to Someone in Grief
  • I am so sorry for your loss.
  • I wish I had the right words, just know I care.
  • I don't know how you feel, but I am here to help in any way I can.
  • You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers.
  • My favorite memory of your loved one is…
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What to say to someone who lost a parent?

At the end of the day, something as simple as “I'm so sorry for your loss” or “I'm so sad for you and your family, please accept my deepest condolences” is always appropriate. But you might want to offer something a little deeper than that, especially if you are close to the bereaved.
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Why is cremation forbidden in Judaism?

Jewish law and tradition consider cremation as destruction of property. Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah, also holds that the soul does not immediately depart the body. Rather, it slowly leaves the body as it decomposes; cremation therefore is considered to cause pain, even after death.
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How do you say Kaddish in English?

English Version…

May his great name be blessed, forever and ever. Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled, honored, elevated and luaded be the Name of the holy one, Blessed is he – above and beyond any blessings and hymns, Praises and consolations which are uttered in the world; and say Amen.
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What is the difference between Yizkor and Kaddish?

For other close relatives, Kaddish is said every day for thirty days. A minyan is required, and it is preferable for one to stand during the Kaddish. A lengthier memorial prayer, Yizkor, is held four times a year: the last day of Passover, the second day of Shavuot, Shemini Atzeret, and Yom Kippur.
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Who says Kaddish at a funeral?

Who says Kaddish? Kaddish is the responsibility of the seven immediate family members: Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Son, Daughter, and Spouse. If you are one of these to the person who passed, then Kaddish falls to you.
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