Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Roll of Remembrance?
The Roll of Remembrance is a compilation of names of Temple Solel members who are no longer with us and who are being remembered by members of our community.
Why is a Roll of Remembrance important?
In keeping with our Jewish tradition for remembering our loved ones at this time of year, we publish a Roll of Remembrance for our Yom Kippur afternoon Yizkor Service. It enables us to pay tribute to our loved ones who are no longer with us.
What is Yizkor?
Yizkor is recited on the first holiday after a loved one passes and during four holidays throughout the year. These holiday services include:
Yom Kippur
8th day of Passover
8th day of Sukkot
2nd day of Shavuot
Originally, Yizkor was only recited on Yom Kippur. However, since the Torah reading that is done on the last day of the pilgrimage festivals – Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot – focuses on the importance of charitable donations, which is integral to this memorial service, Yizkor has since been added to these three-holiday services. While Yizkor is typically said at a synagogue during the four different services mentioned above, it can be said privately within a home or sanctuary as well.
Yom Kippur
8th day of Passover
8th day of Sukkot
2nd day of Shavuot
Originally, Yizkor was only recited on Yom Kippur. However, since the Torah reading that is done on the last day of the pilgrimage festivals – Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot – focuses on the importance of charitable donations, which is integral to this memorial service, Yizkor has since been added to these three-holiday services. While Yizkor is typically said at a synagogue during the four different services mentioned above, it can be said privately within a home or sanctuary as well.
Do I light a memorial candle when Yizkor is recited?
A memorial candle should be lit the night before Yizkor, typically at sundown. It will burn through the entire service (as long as 26 hours) to show the time of mourning. Once the candle burns out, the deceased has been sufficiently mourned until the next of the four holidays.
Has Temple Solel had a Roll of Remembrance for a long time?
Temple Solel has produced an annual Roll of Remembrance that is distributed during the Yizkor service on the afternoon of Yom Kippur. This year it will be virtual and will remain on our website throughout the year.
Is it customary to give tzedakah (a donation) in memory of a loved one during this time?
Yes, in keeping with the origins of Yizkor, it is appropriate to make a tzedakah contribution to honor those who you are remembering.
Can I say Yizkor privately?
Yes, there is no technical requirement for a minyan (quorum of 10 Jews necessary for communal prayer).
How can I ensure that my loved ones are included in this year’s Roll of Remembrance?
Having your loved one’s name included is easy. All you need to do is click “submit names of loved ones” and complete the form.
How can I find the names of my loved ones already listed?
Type your family name in the search box,, or click on the “Names by Category” on the home page.
How can I ensure that my loved one is included every year in the Roll of Remembrance?
The way to do this is by purchasing a memorial plaque that is placed permanently on the Memorial Tablets in our sanctuary. Your loved one’s name will be read at services during their yahrzeit, and
Their name will be placed in our Roll of Remembrance in perpetuity.
In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we remember them.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them.
In the opening buds and in the rebirth of spring, we remember them.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer, we remember them.
In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we remember them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share, we remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Gates of Repentance, p. 490