The traditional yahrzeit follows the Hebrew calendar date of death. When that date has no equivalent in a given Gregorian year, the yahrzeit moves to the nearest adjacent day.
How the yahrzeit is observed
Yahrzeit (Yiddish for "anniversary") is one of the most widely kept Jewish traditions — a day set aside to remember the departed.
Kaddish
The Mourner's Kaddish is recited at services on the yahrzeit, and on the preceding Shabbat for many communities.
Yahrzeit candle
A 24-hour candle is lit at sundown on the eve of the yahrzeit and burns through the day.
Charity & study
Many give tzedakah (charity) and study Torah or Mishnah in memory of the departed soul.
Hebrew calendar quirks
Because the Hebrew calendar is lunar-solar, the Gregorian date shifts each year. Three special rules apply:
- • Adar / Adar II — in a leap year, a yahrzeit in Adar is kept in Adar II; some observe the first Adar.
- • Cheshvan & Kislev — in years where these months are shortened or extended, the yahrzeit shifts to the corresponding day of the actual month.
- • Rosh Chodesh — if the death date falls on the 30th of a month, the yahrzeit may be observed on Rosh Chodesh of the following month.
Honour other milestones
Calculate other meaningful Hebrew-calendar dates for simchas and remembrances.
Explore More Tools