Yizkor

Shemini Atzeret, which begins this Sunday night, is one of the four times of the year we recite the series of prayers called the Yizkor service. Yizkor (Hebrew, literally "remember") is a mourning service recited by those who have lost a parent or a loved one. Yizkor is recited on Yom Kippur, on the eighth day of Sukkot (Shemini Atzeret), on the last day of Passover, and on the second day of Shavuot.

The earliest source for Yizkor is in the Midrash Tanchuma, which cites the custom of remembering the departed on Yom Kippur and pledging charity on their behalf. The Ashkenazi custom of reciting Yizkor on the festivals began during the Crusades when massacres wiped out many Jewish communities.

The central part of Yizkor is the paragraph beginning with the words Yizkor Elohim (may God remember). Our siddurim (prayer books) have individualized paragraphs to be recited for a deceased mother, father, male relative (including husband, son, and brother), female relative (including wife, daughter, and sister), as well as extended family and martyrs. These paragraphs have a space in which to include the name of those you are remembering at the service. After the individuals recite the Yizkor prayers quietly, Cantor Weiss recites the prayer beginning with the words El malei rahamim (God, full of compassion). This prayer is said on behalf of all those we recall as a community.

During the Yizkor service, we also add prayers to remember victims of the Holocaust, those who died in defense of the State of Israel, and Jewish martyrs. 

 

In addition to the Yizkor observance on

Monday, October 17 in the synagogue, there will also be a Yizkor observance on Sunday evening, October 16 at 5:30 p.m.

on Zoom.


Click here for the link to the service


Click here for the Yizkor service prayers


We hope this additional opportunity will

encourage all members of

the congregation to participate in this important memorial service.

 

Shimini Atzeret

Monday October 17, at 9:30 a.m. 

Yizkor observed

Traditional service

In person/Livestream


Simchat Torah Evening Celebration

Monday October 17, at 7:15 p.m.

In person/Livestream


Tuesday, October 18 at 9:30 a.m.

Egalitarian service

 

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