Most of us are aware of the Yizkor service on Yom Kippur afternoon where we remember family members and those we have loved throughout our lives and are no longer with us. But there are two other traditions of memorial particular to the High Holy Days that have deep meaning and value. The first is Kever Avot, literally the graves of our ancestors. This is the practice of visiting the graves of our parents (or those who raised us) prior to the start of the High Holy Days. It is an opportunity to reconnect and remember the values they taught us and the examples they set in their lives.
The second is lighting a yahrzeit candle on Yom Kippur before leaving for the synagogue or lighting candles on Kol Nidre evening. The candles burn for 25 hours and, as with Kever Avot, evoke the memories of our loved ones who are no longer with us. Yahrzeit candles can be purchased at the TBH gift shop and at many larger grocery stores.
We will also continue to remember our Israeli brothers and sisters who were murdered on October 7, those who were taken captive and killed, those captives who still remain alive and the soldiers who have died defending our people.
A Message from Rabbi Dean for the High Holy Days – Memory and Memorial
October 11, 2024 by tbhrich • Drashot
Most of us are aware of the Yizkor service on Yom Kippur afternoon where we remember family members and those we have loved throughout our lives and are no longer with us. But there are two other traditions of memorial particular to the High Holy Days that have deep meaning and value. The first is Kever Avot, literally the graves of our ancestors. This is the practice of visiting the graves of our parents (or those who raised us) prior to the start of the High Holy Days. It is an opportunity to reconnect and remember the values they taught us and the examples they set in their lives.
The second is lighting a yahrzeit candle on Yom Kippur before leaving for the synagogue or lighting candles on Kol Nidre evening. The candles burn for 25 hours and, as with Kever Avot, evoke the memories of our loved ones who are no longer with us. Yahrzeit candles can be purchased at the TBH gift shop and at many larger grocery stores.
We will also continue to remember our Israeli brothers and sisters who were murdered on October 7, those who were taken captive and killed, those captives who still remain alive and the soldiers who have died defending our people.