yahrzeit

Yahrzeit, also spelled yahrtzeit, is the annual anniversary of the death of a relative in Jewish tradition. The term comes from Yiddish and means roughly “time of year” or “anniversary.” It marks a line of remembrance rather than a holiday or festival.

Observances typically focus on memory, prayer, and acts of merit on the anniversary. Common practices include lighting a yahrzeit candle that burns for about 24 hours, reciting the mourner’s prayer, and saying Kaddish with a minyan when possible. Many people visit the deceased’s grave and may recite Psalms or other scriptures, study Torah or one of the deceased’s preferred texts, and give tzedakah (charity) in memory of the loved one. The specific customs can vary by family and community, with some families placing greater emphasis on learning or charitable acts.

The date is fixed in the Hebrew calendar and thus moves in the Gregorian calendar from year to year. Because the Hebrew calendar is based on a lunisolar system, the yahrzeit does not fall on the same Gregorian date annually, though the Hebrew date remains constant. In strict observance, the day begins at sunset of the eve of the yahrzeit and continues until nightfall the following day, in keeping with the Jewish day.

A yahrzeit is distinct from Yizkor, the memorial synagogue prayer recited on certain holidays. It serves as a personal or family-based occasion for reflection, teaching, and community remembrance rather than a public rite.