When to Light a Yahrzeit Candle: Meaning, Time, and Ritual Practice

Every Yahrzeit candle begins with intention, a quiet moment of remembrance that transcends time. 

When I first lit one for my grandmother, I realized how a single flame could carry so much meaning. It wasn’t just light; it was continuity, an echo of her presence woven into the fabric of family memory.

People often search for when to light a Yahrzeit candle because timing in Jewish tradition is sacred. Each observance follows spiritual order, guided by the Hebrew calendar rather than the Gregorian one. 

This alignment turns remembrance into ritual, linking the physical act of lighting with the spiritual rhythm of Jewish life.

In this article, I’ll explain how Yahrzeit and Yizkor connect to Jewish remembrance, when exactly to light the candle, and how the act unites tradition with emotion.

What are Yahrzeit and Yizkor?

The word Yahrzeit, from the Yiddish “year time,” signifies the anniversary of a loved one’s passing. It marks not only a date but a moment of reflection. 

According to Jewish belief, the soul (neshamah) remains eternal, and the Yahrzeit observance honors that enduring light. The Hebrew calendar Yahrzeit date determines when remembrance begins at sundown, the start of the Hebrew day.

Yahrzeit is a time of prayer, contemplation, and spiritual reconnection. Some families gather at home, while others visit the cemetery or attend synagogue services led by a Rabbi. 

Each observance feels different, yet all share the same purpose: to renew the bond between the living and the departed through the flame of the Jewish mourning candle.

Yizkor, on the other hand, is a memorial service recited four times a year on Yom Kippur, Passover, Shavuot, and Shemini Atzeret. It’s not tied to one person’s passing but invites everyone to remember. 

During Yizkor, many families light memorial candles before sundown, filling homes and sanctuaries with the still warmth of devotion.

Both practices remind us that remembrance is not passive. It’s an active expression of gratitude and faith, a way of acknowledging that memory shapes identity.

When to Light a Yahrzeit Candle?

Timing is at the heart of this ritual. The Yahrzeit candle should be lit at sundown on the eve of the Yahrzeit date. This aligns with Jewish tradition, where a new day begins at nightfall. 

By lighting the candle before darkness settles, families welcome the remembrance day with intention and reverence.

For those unfamiliar with the Hebrew calendar, this can feel confusing at first. In my own experience, keeping a digital Hebrew calendar reminder helps ensure accuracy. 

The date is calculated from the original Hebrew day of death, not its Gregorian equivalent, making the timing deeply personal and precise.

If the Yahrzeit falls on Shabbat, lighting must occur before sunset on Friday to respect Sabbath laws. For Jewish festivals when lighting fire is restricted, families typically prepare by using a candle that burns throughout, maintaining the sacred flame without interruption.

The Yahrzeit candle lighting time holds symbolic depth. The flicker represents the divine spark within the soul, as described in the Talmud: “The soul of man is the lamp of God.” 

The candle’s steady 24-hour burn parallels the enduring memory of a loved one. It’s simple, unscented, glass-encased design reflects purity of intention, allowing attention to stay on reflection rather than decoration.

Each year, as I light mine, I take a few minutes to sit quietly. No words, no music — just silence. That small act of stillness turns the moment into a living prayer.

Yahrzeit Candles for Yizkor and Kaddish

While Yahrzeit marks individual remembrance, Yizkor and Kaddish elevate the ritual into collective memory. During Yizkor, communities light candles before sundown, often filling the synagogue with soft light. 

Each flame represents a different story, yet together they form a shared reflection of love and faith.

Reciting Kaddish, the Jewish mourning prayer, beside the candle connects the act of remembrance to spiritual renewal. Unlike other prayers, Kaddish focuses on sanctifying life, not mourning death. 

The light and the prayer complement each other, one physical, one spiritual. Together they express hope, continuity, and gratitude.

At home, many families place their candle near a memorial plaque or photo of the departed. 

Some prefer natural materials like beeswax or soy wax, believing the clean burn symbolizes purity. Others keep it simple with a white wax candle, a quiet symbol of humility and respect. The form matters less than the intention behind it.

These yahrzeit customs and traditions remind us that remembrance is active care. Lighting, praying, and reflecting are intertwined gestures that shape how we honor those we love.

Final Thoughts

The moment of lighting a Yahrzeit candle captures something words can’t fully express: a gentle balance between grief and gratitude. It’s not about repetition of ritual, but renewal of connection. 

By following the Hebrew calendar and lighting before sundown, we participate in a tradition that keeps memory alive through light.

Each flicker mirrors the soul’s endurance, teaching that love extends beyond loss. Whether it’s for Yizkor services, during Kaddish, or on an anniversary of death, the ritual restores peace and grounding.

When you prepare for your next Yahrzeit, choose a candle that reflects purity and reverence. I’ve often used Karigar Style’s handmade candles, crafted with clean-burning wax and thoughtful simplicity.