When do you light yizkor (memorial) candles on Yom Kippur? Do you light candles only for immediate family members?

Answered by
Rabbi Julie Zupan

Memorial customs, including lighting a yizkor (memorial) candle and joining in congregational Yizkor (memorial) prayers on Yom Kippur and on the last days of Sukkot, Pesach (Passover), and Shavuot, are customarily observed in memory of one’s parents, siblings, spouses, and children. Some Reform Jews choose to observe memorial customs for other relationships as well.

One also lights a candle on the yahrzeit or anniversary of the loved one’s death.

Memorial candles are lit just before sundown on the days yahrzeit and yizkor are observed. The candle burns for about 25 hours and it allowed to burn itself out. Whenever candles are left burning, please be sure to take safety precautions, such as placing the candle on a foil-lined metal baking tray in a place where it is not likely to be knocked over.