What rituals are observed on the Yahrzeit?
The anniversary of the death is traditionally remembered by: • The lighting of the memorial candle — symbolic of the soul of the deceased. • The memorial candle should be lit on the eve of the Yahrzeit day, and can be lit by any member of the family. • A visit to the grave. • Having an Aliyah and the recitation of Kaddish in the synagogue. • Giving of charity in the memory of the deceased. Because of the solemnity of the day, one should avoid any joyous participation or festivity.
