Yizkor Prayer: Donations in Memory of Deceased Relatives

“Father of mercy, who dwells on high, in His great compassion may He remember with mercy the pious, the upright and the blameless — all the holy communities who gave their lives for the sanctification of His Name…”

The Yizkor prayer is recited only four times a year: on Yom Kippur, on Shemini Atzeret, on the last day of Passover, and on the second day of Shavuot.

This is an important tradition for the Jewish people, connected not only with the commandment to honor one’s parents after their passing, but also with elevating their souls through our actions and the donations we make on these days.

Helping our loved ones ascend when they themselves can no longer do so is perhaps one of the most righteous acts we can perform. Yizkor is recited separately for men and for women. One may mention not only the names of a father or mother, but also other relatives who have passed away. God sees your care for each person you mention in the prayer.

And by making donations to support those in need, you enable your departed loved ones to continue performing good deeds even after their passing.

That is why, after the prayer in the synagogue, those present give tzedakah. Each person chooses the amount according to their ability, but it is said that the greater the amount, the greater the merit granted to the souls of our loved ones.

Thank you for being with us. Together, we can bring comfort and hope to those who need it most.