Yizkor: Remembering Those Who Made Us Who We Are

And in the middle of this sacred day, we stop to remember.

Yizkor.

The word Yizkor means “May He remember.” During this special prayer, we ask G-d to remember the souls of our parents and loved ones who are no longer physically with us.

But Yizkor is also about us remembering them.

We remember a mother’s warmth. A father’s advice. A grandparent’s stories. A spouse, sibling, relative, or dear friend whose presence helped shape our lives.

Sometimes it is a particular expression we can still hear in our minds. Sometimes it is a recipe, a melody, a holiday tradition, or a lesson they taught us without ever putting it into words.

Judaism teaches that a soul does not simply disappear when a person passes away. The connection continues. The love continues. And perhaps most importantly, their impact continues through us.

Every mitzvah we perform because of something they taught us, every act of kindness inspired by their example, and every Jewish tradition we pass along to another generation becomes part of their legacy.

That is why Yizkor traditionally includes a commitment to give tzedakah in the merit of the departed. We don't only remember with our hearts. We turn memory or physical commitment of helping others into action.

There is something especially meaningful about saying Yizkor on Yom Kippur.

On this day, when we ask G-d to look beyond our shortcomings and see the goodness within us, we remember those who came before us. We recognize that we did not arrive here alone.

We are part of a chain.

Our parents and grandparents carried Jewish faith, values, traditions, and sacrifice before us. Now those treasures have been placed into our hands.

Perhaps the greatest tribute we can give them is not simply to remember how they lived, but to make sure that what they lived for continues to live through us.

Light a Shabbat candle. Put on Tefillin. Give a little more tzedakah. Attend a Torah class. Bring your children or grandchildren to shul. Call someone who is lonely. Forgive someone. Add one more mitzvah.

In that way, memory becomes something alive.

This Yom Kippur, I encourage you to join your local synagogue or Chabad for this sacred and meaningful short prayer. Of course, Chabad Chayil warmly invites the entire Jewish community to join us for Yizkor Memorial Services. There is no charge to attend, and no membership or prior affiliation is necessary. Everyone is welcome.

Monday, September 21 at 1:00 PM

AWK-8 Center, which is the Public School directly across the street from Chabad Chayil

2601 NE 211 Terrace, Miami, FL 33180

If you have lost a parent or another loved one, come spend these sacred moments remembering them together with your community.

And even if it has been many years since you have stepped into a synagogue—or you are not sure exactly what to say or do—please come. Yizkor isn't about how familiar you are with the prayer book. It is about remembering someone who mattered.

For security purposes, advance registration is appreciated at: ChabadChayil.org/High-Holidays.

If you are unable to attend in person, fill out the form at: ChabadChayil.org/YizkorForm and we’ll have it done on your behalf. You can also learn about the meaning of Yizkor, access the prayers, and find inspiration at: ChabadChayil.org/YizkorForm.

May the memories of our loved ones inspire us to live more meaningful Jewish lives, and may the mitzvot we perform in their merit bring an aliyah—an elevation—to their precious souls.

May we all be sealed for a good, sweet, healthy and peaceful year.

About the author:

Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org. You can also support the community with your partnership at: ChabadChayil.org/Partner.