For A Yahrzeit

The Family is gathered at dusk,

on the eve of the anniversary of the death.

 

At this moment, which bears the memory of our beloved ___________, let us join hands in love and remembrance. A link has been broken in the chain which has bound us together, yet strong bonds of home and love hold us each to the other.

 

We give thanks for the blessing of life, of companionship, and of memory. We are grateful for the strength and faith that sustained us in the hour of our bereavement. Though sorrow lingers, we have learned that love is stronger than death. Though our loved one is beyond our sight, we do not despair, for we sense our beloved in our hearts as a living presence.

 

Psalm 23

 

God is my shepherd, I shall not want.

God makes me lie down in green pastures,

Leads me beside still waters and restores my soul.

You lead me in right paths for the sake of Your name.

Even when I walk in the valley of the shadow of death

I shall fear no evil, for You are with me.

You have set a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

And I shall dwell in the house of God forever.

 

Sustained by words of faith, comforted by precious memories, we kindle the Yahrzeit light in remembrance. “The human spirit is the light of the Lord.” As this light burns pure and clear, so may the blessed memory of the goodness and nobility of character of our dear __________ illumine our souls.

 

The light is kindled.

 

Zichro-no (Zich-ro-na) li-ve-ra-cha.

His/Her memory is a blessing.

 

It is customary for the family to attend the Sabbath Evening Worship Service following the anniversary of the death during which the name of the departed is remembered in the Kaddish prayer.