Yahrzeit means “Time (of) Year” in Yiddish and refers to the anniversary of the day of death of a relative. The commemoration is known in Hebrew as nachala (“legacy,” or “inheritance”). This term is used by most Sephardic Jews, although some use the Ladino terms meldado or less commonly, anyos (“years”). It is widely observed, and based on the Jewish tradition that mourners are required to commemorate the death of a relative. The yahrzeit falls annually on the Hebrew date of the deceased relative’s death according to the Hebrew calendar.

Jews are required to commemorate the death of parents, siblings, spouses, or children. The main halachic obligation is to recite the mourner’s version of the Kaddish prayer at least three times, Maariv at the evening services, Shacharit at morning services, and Mincha at the afternoon services.

As a widely practiced custom, mourners also light a special candle that burns for 24 hours, called a “yahrzeit candle”. Lighting a yahrzeit candle in memory of a loved one is a minhag (“custom”) that is deeply ingrained in Jewish life honoring the memory and souls of the
deceased.

K.I. members receive annual Yahrzeit notices in advance of the anniversary of their loved one’s death. At the corresponding Shabbat service, the rabbi shares the name of the individual who’s Yarzheit falls during the week.

Beautiful bronze individualized memorial plaques with lights are available for purchase, to honor a beloved family member or friend. The memorial plaques are located in the chapel. On the individual’s yahrzeit, the lights are lit. Family members or friends who wish to purchase a memorial plaque should contact the Synagogue office, 913-642-1880