Yahrzeit definitions
| Word backwards | tiezrhaY |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | Yahr-zeit |
| Plural | The plural of the word Yahrzeit is Yahrzeits. |
| Total letters | 8 |
| Vogais (3) | a,e,i |
| Consonants (5) | y,h,r,z,t |
Yahrzeit, a Yiddish word meaning "anniversary," is a significant tradition in Jewish culture that commemorates the anniversary of the death of a loved one. This memorial observance is typically marked each year on the Hebrew calendar date of the deceased individual's passing.
Meaning and Significance
Yahrzeit observances help keep the memory of the departed alive and honor their legacy through prayer and reflection. It is a time for family and friends to come together to share stories, light candles in remembrance, and recite the Kaddish, a special prayer for the deceased.
Customs and Practices
Many families observe Yahrzeit by attending synagogue services, making charitable donations in memory of the departed, and engaging in acts of kindness or volunteering in their honor. Lighting a 24-hour memorial candle is a common practice, symbolizing the eternal light of the soul.
Some individuals choose to fast on the anniversary of their loved one's passing, while others may visit the gravesite or participate in learning sessions to study the teachings of the Torah in their memory.
Yahrzeit Reminder
To ensure that the Yahrzeit date is not forgotten, it is common for families to receive a Yahrzeit reminder from their synagogue or Jewish organization. This reminder helps them prepare for the observance and make arrangements to participate in the memorial customs.
Yahrzeit traditions vary among different Jewish communities and families, but the underlying purpose remains the same – to honor and remember those who have passed away, ensuring that their memories live on for generations to come.
Yahrzeit Examples
- My family will be observing the yahrzeit of my grandmother next month.
- We lit a candle in memory of our loved one's yahrzeit.
- The synagogue held a special service to honor those marking a yahrzeit.
- It is traditional to recite the Kaddish on a yahrzeit.
- The yahrzeit date is a time for reflection and remembrance.
- Many families gather together to commemorate a yahrzeit.
- The yahrzeit candle burned brightly throughout the evening.
- We visited the grave on the anniversary of his yahrzeit.
- She wore a special piece of jewelry in honor of her father's yahrzeit.
- Friends and family often share stories and memories on a yahrzeit.