What Do Yahrzeit Mean?

The word “yahrzeit” in Yiddish means “anniversary” or more specifically “anniversary of a person's death”. It is customary to light the candle inside one's home, or near the grave of the deceased.

What does the Hebrew word yahrzeit mean?

Yahrzeit means anniversary in the Yiddish language and is the anniversary date of someone's passing in the Jewish calendar. As a way to honor a parent's passing, children are to observe their parent's Yahrzeit dates by reciting the kaddish prayer.

What happens on a yahrzeit?

Yahrzeit. 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.