Remembering Life through Light

Hanukkah came to an end last night, marking the conclusion of eight consecutive nights of lighting candles. This is done in order to commemorate the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem. While you’re probably familiar with this Jewish celebration, you may not be aware of the Jewish tradition of the yahrzeit candle. Also called a “memorial candle” or, in Yiddish, the “anniversary candle,” it is lit on the anniversary of a person’s death. The candle burns for 24 hours, and is typically lit by family members of the deceased. These family members light it after sundown the evening before the date of their loved one’s death, as determined by the Hebrew calendar.

The light from the candle symbolizes both life and the “flame” of the human soul. This is a beautiful reminder that the spirit of those we lose never truly leaves us. Below are some images of yahrzeit candles: