Yahrzeit Candle Prayer & Traditions: When, Where, and Why We Lighting a yahrzeit candle lighting
Yahrzeit Candle Prayer
Although there’s no formal blessing required when lighting a Yahrzeit candle, many choose to say a heartfelt line such as:
"I light this candle in memory of my [father/mother] — [Name], child of [Parent's Name] — to bring peace to their soul."
In Ashkenazi tradition, the parent’s father’s name is used.
For Sephardi tradition, the mother’s name is recited instead.
Yahrzeit Candle
When Do We Light a Yahrzeit Candle?
1. During Shiva – The First Seven Days
It is a sacred Jewish practice to light a Yahrzeit candle immediately following the passing of a loved one. This candle should remain lit for the entire seven-day mourning period (Shiva), including the Sabbath.
Important: Candle lighting continues even if formal mourning is interrupted by a holiday. For instance, if someone passes away on the eve of Passover, the Yahrzeit candle still burns for seven days from the moment of passing, despite the Shiva being shortened.
2. On the Yahrzeit (Anniversary of Passing)
According to the Hebrew calendar, we honor the memory of a loved one each year by lighting a candle on the Yahrzeit—the exact date of their passing.
3. On Sacred Jewish Holidays
It is customary to light a Yahrzeit candle in remembrance of deceased parents during major Jewish holidays that include memorial services (Yizkor):
Yom Kippur
Shavuot
The Seventh Day of Passover
Simchat Torah
4. Throughout the First Year of Mourning (Chabad Custom)
While lighting is traditionally reserved for Shiva and Yahrzeit dates, some communities — including Chabad — maintain the custom of keeping a Yahrzeit candle lit throughout the first year following the loss.
Where Should You Light the Yahrzeit Candle?
During Shiva:
Preferably in the room of the deceased.
If the passing occurred in a hospital, the candle is lit at the family home or the mourner’s residence.
On the Yahrzeit or Holidays:
The candle may be lit either at home or in the synagogue.
Why Do We Light a Yahrzeit Candle?
1. Spiritual Comfort for the Soul
According to Rabbi Bahya, a revered Kabbalist near Safed, the flame brings joy and peace to the soul:
“The soul delights in the candlelight — it moves with grace and expands from the pleasure of the flame…”
Though physical, the candle carries spiritual energy. It bridges the material and the spiritual, offering comfort to the soul as it hovers close.
2. Symbol of Atonement
In his work, Clear Mishnah, Chofetz Chaim suggests that lighting a candle is a form of atonement for the departed soul. This small act of remembrance carries deep spiritual weight.
What Kind of Candle Should You Use as Yahrzeit Candle?
Ideally, use a 24-hour wax or oil candle.
In cases where open flame isn’t possible, an electric Yahrzeit candle is permitted—though some opinions debate its spiritual effectiveness for the soul.
Top-Rated Yahrzeit Memorial Candles You Can Buy Today
1
Manischewitz24-Hour Yahrzeit Memorial Candles (4-Pack)
A trusted choice for tradition and quality, the Manischewitz 24-Hour Yahrzeit Memorial Candles come in a convenient 4-pack, each enclosed in a glass tumbler for safe, mess-free burning. These Ner Neshama candles are designed to burn for approximately 26 hours, which is ideal for Yizkor, Yom Kippur, and Yahrzeit observances.
- Long burn time (approx. 26 hours)
- Kosher and made for sacred use
- Elegant glass holders — ready for home or synagogue
- Trusted heritage brand: Manischewitz
2
Yehuda Yahrzeit Memorial Candles -24 Pack in Glass Tumblers
Reliable, respectful, and multipurpose, the Yehuda Yahrzeit Memorial Candle set includes 24 24-hour candles, each housed in a durable glass tumbler. Traditionally used for Yahrzeit, Yizkor, and Yom Kippur, these candles also serve as an excellent emergency light source during blackouts, storms, or hurricanes.
- 24 candles – perfect for synagogues, large families, or extended memorial use
- Safe and steady glass container
- Burns approximately 24 hours
- Versatile use: religious observance or emergency preparedness
3
1-Day Yahrzeit Candle -12-Pack in Tin Holders (Kosher)
Compact and practical, this 12-pack of 1-day Yahrzeit candles is an excellent option for honoring loved ones during Yahrzeit, Yizkor, or Yom Kippur. Each candle is housed in a safe tin cup holder and is certified kosher, making it a traditional and convenient choice for families or congregations.
- 24-hour burn time
- Kosher-certified for ritual use
- Lightweight tin holders – easy to store or travel with
- Great value for multi-use observance or communal needs
4
Yahrzeit Memorial Candle -6-Pack in Glass Holders (24-Hour Burn Time)
Thoughtful and versatile, this 6-pack of Yahrzeit candles is designed for memorial lighting during funerals, shiva, yahrzeit anniversaries, or even as emergency candles. Each candle is poured into a clear glass tumbler for a respectful presentation and clean, steady burning for up to 24 hours.
- 6 elegant glass tumblers – ideal for home or synagogue
- Designed for remembrance and reflection
- Burns for a full day (approx. 24 hours)
- Multipurpose use – religious and emergency