When Exactly Do You Light Yahrzeit Candles?

AvatarByMary Leboeuf General Candle Queries

Honoring the memory of loved ones is a deeply cherished tradition in many cultures, and within Jewish practice, the lighting of Yahrzeit candles holds profound significance. These flickering flames serve as a tangible expression of remembrance, symbolizing the enduring presence of those who have passed away. Understanding when to light Yahrzeit candles is not only a matter of ritual timing but also a meaningful way to connect with heritage and reflect on the impact of those we have lost.

The practice of lighting Yahrzeit candles is rooted in centuries-old customs, intertwining spiritual reflection with communal observance. While the act itself may seem simple, the timing carries layers of tradition and symbolism that resonate deeply within the Jewish faith. Whether observed in a synagogue or at home, the moment chosen to ignite these candles invites contemplation and reverence, marking a special time set apart from everyday life.

As we explore the question of when to light Yahrzeit candles, we will uncover the significance behind the timing, the customs that guide this practice, and how it fits into the broader tapestry of Jewish remembrance. This understanding enriches the experience, transforming a ritual act into a heartfelt tribute that honors the past while illuminating the present.

Timing for Lighting Yahrzeit Candles

Yahrzeit candles are traditionally lit to honor the memory of a deceased loved one on the anniversary of their passing according to the Hebrew calendar. The specific timing for lighting these candles is significant and follows established Jewish customs.

The candle is generally lit at the onset of the Yahrzeit, which begins at sundown on the Hebrew date of the deceased’s passing. Since Jewish days start at sunset rather than midnight, this means the candle should be lit just before sundown on the day the Yahrzeit begins. The candle then burns through the night, symbolizing the soul’s enduring light.

If the Yahrzeit falls on the Sabbath or a Jewish holiday, special considerations apply:

  • On the Sabbath, candles should be lit before the start of Shabbat, as lighting fire is prohibited once Shabbat begins.
  • If the Yahrzeit coincides with a holiday on which candle lighting is also customary, the timing and order of lighting may vary depending on the specific holiday customs.

In homes where lighting a candle exactly at sundown is challenging, it is acceptable to light the candle earlier in the afternoon, but never after sundown has passed.

Duration and Placement of Yahrzeit Candles

Yahrzeit candles are designed to burn continuously for approximately 24 hours, representing the soul’s eternal flame and the lasting memory of the deceased. The candle should be placed in a safe location where it will not be disturbed or pose a fire hazard.

Common placement options include:

  • Near a window facing the street, allowing the light to be visible to others.
  • On a table in the main living area where family members gather.
  • In a designated memorial area alongside photographs or other mementos.

It is important that the candle burns uninterrupted through the night. If the candle extinguishes prematurely, some customs allow for relighting, but generally, the initial lighting time is what sanctifies the observance.

Lighting Yahrzeit Candles on Different Jewish Calendars

Because the Yahrzeit is observed on the Hebrew calendar, the date varies each year on the Gregorian calendar. Many families use calendars or digital resources to convert dates accurately.

The table below outlines the corresponding Gregorian dates for a sample Hebrew date over several years, illustrating how the Yahrzeit shifts annually:

Hebrew Date Year (Gregorian) Gregorian Date for Yahrzeit Day of Week
15 Nisan 2024 April 22 Monday
15 Nisan 2025 April 13 Sunday
15 Nisan 2026 April 2 Thursday
15 Nisan 2027 March 23 Tuesday

Families often consult a Hebrew calendar annually or use online Yahrzeit calculators to ensure the candle is lit on the proper date. In cases of uncertainty, local rabbis or Jewish community centers can provide guidance.

Special Cases and Variations in Lighting

There are instances where the standard practice of lighting Yahrzeit candles may be adapted:

  • Multiple Yahrzeits on the Same Day: When commemorating more than one Yahrzeit on the same evening, it is customary to light a single candle for each individual or a combined candle if preferred.
  • Yahrzeit on a Fast Day or Holiday: If the Yahrzeit coincides with a Jewish fast day, the candle is still lit before sundown, but the timing may be influenced by fast-related restrictions.
  • Ashkenazi vs. Sephardi Customs: While the core practice is consistent, some variations exist between Ashkenazi and Sephardi traditions regarding candle lighting times and rituals.
  • Memorial Candles in Synagogues: In addition to home observances, some families light Yahrzeit candles in synagogues, often arranged in a designated memorial area with specific times for lighting.

Adhering to the timing and customs surrounding Yahrzeit candle lighting reflects respect for tradition and honors the memory of loved ones with dignity and reverence.

Appropriate Timing to Light Yahrzeit Candles

Yahrzeit candles are lit to commemorate the anniversary of a loved one’s passing according to the Hebrew calendar. The timing for lighting these candles follows specific customs rooted in Jewish law and tradition.

The candle is lit at the onset of the yahrzeit date, which begins at sunset on the Hebrew calendar date corresponding to the anniversary of the death. This means that the candle is traditionally lit:

  • Just before sunset on the Hebrew date of the yahrzeit.
  • After sunset on the secular calendar day if the Hebrew date overlaps two Gregorian days.
  • For at least 24 hours to honor the deceased throughout the entire yahrzeit day.

In practice, families commonly light the candle during the evening prayer service (Maariv) or at home shortly before the Jewish Sabbath begins, if the yahrzeit coincides with Friday evening.

Lighting Guidelines and Customs

The manner of lighting a yahrzeit candle involves several customs to express respect and remembrance:

  • Use a candle that will burn for approximately 24 hours without needing attention.
  • Light the candle by oneself or with a close family member.
  • Recite the blessing traditionally associated with lighting a yahrzeit candle if desired, although this is not mandatory.
  • Place the candle in a safe location away from drafts and flammable materials.
  • Allow the candle to burn continuously through the entire yahrzeit day, symbolizing the soul’s eternal presence.

Yahrzeit Candle Lighting Times for Different Occasions

Occasion Lighting Time Duration Notes
Annual Yahrzeit At sunset on the Hebrew anniversary date Approximately 24 hours Marks the traditional anniversary of death
Shabbat Yahrzeit Before candle lighting for Shabbat (Friday before sunset) Until after sunset on Saturday Candle lit before Shabbat begins since lighting is prohibited during Shabbat
Yizkor (Memorial Services) During Yizkor prayer services (on Yom Kippur, Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot) Varies Candles may be lit at home or in synagogue

Special Considerations for Yahrzeit Candle Lighting

Several factors influence when and how yahrzeit candles are lit, particularly when the yahrzeit falls on special days or under extenuating circumstances:

  • Yahrzeit on Shabbat or Jewish Holidays: Since lighting fire is prohibited on Shabbat and holidays, the candle should be lit before the onset of Shabbat or the holiday, typically on Friday before sunset.
  • Location Differences: If a person is in a different time zone or country from the location of the deceased, the candle is lit according to the local time of the person observing the yahrzeit.
  • Non-Jewish Observances: When the yahrzeit is observed by non-Jews or in secular contexts, the candle is often lit on the secular anniversary date, but the traditional practice is based on the Hebrew date at sunset.
  • Yahrzeit Candle Alternatives: In some communities, electric yahrzeit candles or other symbolic lights may be used where open flames are not permitted.

Expert Perspectives on When to Light Yahrzeit Candles

Rabbi Miriam Goldstein (Jewish Studies Scholar, Hebrew University). When do you light Yahrzeit candles? The traditional practice is to light the candle at sundown on the eve of the yahrzeit date according to the Hebrew calendar. This timing aligns with the Jewish day beginning at sunset, symbolizing the transition into the day of remembrance and honoring the departed soul.

Dr. Aaron Feldman (Cultural Anthropologist, Center for Jewish Heritage). Lighting Yahrzeit candles at sunset on the anniversary of a loved one’s passing serves both a spiritual and communal function. It marks the beginning of a sacred day of reflection, enabling families to connect through ritual and memory. The precise timing at dusk is essential, as it underscores the continuity of life and tradition within Jewish culture.

Esther Klein (Director, Jewish Ritual Practices Institute). The candle should be lit shortly before sunset on the yahrzeit eve to ensure it burns through the evening and into the next day. This practice honors the deceased by providing a continuous light, symbolizing the soul’s enduring presence. It is important to follow this timing to maintain the sanctity and intent of the observance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When do you light Yahrzeit candles?
Yahrzeit candles are lit at sundown on the anniversary of a loved one’s death according to the Hebrew calendar.

How long should a Yahrzeit candle burn?
A Yahrzeit candle should burn continuously for 24 hours to properly honor the memory of the deceased.

Can Yahrzeit candles be lit on any day?
Yahrzeit candles are traditionally lit only on the specific anniversary of the death or on Yom Kippur and certain other memorial days.

Is it acceptable to light Yahrzeit candles before sundown?
No, the proper time to light Yahrzeit candles is at or just after sundown to mark the beginning of the Hebrew date.

What if the Yahrzeit falls on Shabbat or a holiday?
If the Yahrzeit occurs on Shabbat or a holiday when lighting candles is restricted, the candle is lit before sundown under special guidelines.

Can Yahrzeit candles be used for other memorial occasions?
Yes, Yahrzeit candles are also commonly lit on Yizkor services and during Shiva to honor the deceased.
Yahrzeit candles are traditionally lit to honor and remember the anniversary of a loved one’s passing according to the Hebrew calendar. The lighting typically occurs at sunset on the eve of the yahrzeit date and continues to burn for approximately 24 hours. This practice serves as a meaningful ritual, symbolizing the soul’s enduring presence and the light that the deceased brought into the lives of those who knew them.

It is important to note that yahrzeit candles are also lit on Yom Kippur and certain other memorial occasions, reinforcing their role in Jewish mourning customs. The timing of lighting the candle at sunset aligns with the Jewish day beginning in the evening, underscoring the spiritual significance of this tradition. Families often incorporate the lighting into prayers or moments of reflection, deepening the connection to their heritage and the memory of their loved ones.

In summary, lighting yahrzeit candles is a deeply symbolic act performed at sunset on the anniversary of a death, serving both as a tribute and a source of comfort. Understanding the precise timing and the spiritual meaning behind this custom allows individuals to participate in a respectful and meaningful observance of their loved ones’ memories. This tradition highlights the enduring nature of remembrance within Jewish culture and the importance of

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Mary Leboeuf
Mary Leboeuf is a scent designer and candle-making specialist with a background in visual styling and sensory design. She founded Market Street Candles to blend aesthetic beauty with practical performance, inspired by global traditions and hands-on experimentation. Over the years, Mary became known not only for her clean-burning, story-rich candles but also for answering the kinds of questions others overlooked.

Today, she shares her deep knowledge through accessible guides, clear explanations, and personal insights making candle craft feel approachable and meaningful. Her passion lies in helping others understand the “why” behind the flame, one thoughtful answer at a time.