Yizkor Booklet

Congregation Arzei Darom is revising and editing our Yizkor Memorial Book for 5784.

The Yizkor service has been recited by Ashkenazic Jewry for over 900 years. Following the death of thousands of Jews during the First Crusade, Yizkor was introduced into the Yom Kippur prayers, to honor the martyrs of that generation. Years later, the Yizkor prayer was formally introduced into the holiday liturgy, and is recited four times throughout the year (on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, Pessach, and Shavuot). The recitation of Yizkor offers worshipers both comfort and solace, enabling them to connect with their departed loved ones.

The original purpose of the Yizkor service was to remind us to ask forgiveness on behalf of those who could not. The mood of the service also added to the solemnity and sanctity of the day. Yizkor focuses our attention to beloved family and friends, not to their deaths but to what they lived for. We remember their best qualities and attributes. These thoughts are ritualized in the lighting of a yahrzeit candle at home prior to the start of the holiday. In synagogue, all of the memorial lights are kindled.

If we, the living, give charity or do good deeds due to the lasting influence or in memory of a departed parent or other loved one, the merit is truly that of the soul in its spiritual realm. Moreover, G--d in his mercy credits our deed to the departed one because he or she too would have done the same were it possible. 

If you would like to add names to the Yizkor Book, please complete the form below.

The deadline for entries is AUGUST 31, 2023.

The prices are as follows:

         $ 36     for one name
         $ 72     for two names
      $ 100     for up to four names
      $ 180     for up to 10 names
      $ 500    Sponsor the Yizkor Booklet with a full page