​Yarhtzeit

​The traditional role of kaddish is to help the souls of our loved ones move on to the world to come where they live on in God’s presence. The experience of saying kaddish or lighting a yahrtzeit or yizkor candle can be just as profound as taking the time to remember. Children will often see that 24 hour candle flickering and ask why which offers a chance to tell the story of a beloved parent or grandparent, spouse, sibling or child. For adults, the atmosphere in the home changes when we turn around and catch sight of that candle. It’s a loving tribute.

For more information about mourning practices and a few key prayers, go to https://www.reformjudaism.org/practice/lifecycle-and-rituals/death-mourning where you will find excellent resources.