Life Cycle

Life Cycle Introduction

Brit Milah &
Simchat Brit

Consecration

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Confirmation

Marriage

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Conversion

Divorce

Death

Yizkor

Yahrzeit

Facility Usage
Yahrzeit

A yahrzeit is an anniversary of a death of a loved one. Jews commemorate a yahrzeit by lighting a small candle, called a yahrzeit candle, which burns throughout the 24-hour day of the anniversary of death. The flame of the candle is a potent symbol of the flame of life that once burned brightly and illumined the lives of loved ones who mourn the loss.

Temple members are asked to provide the names and dates of death of deceased relatives for inclusion in the yahrzeit list. The synagogue office will annually notify members of the yahrzeit date, and the name of the deceased will be announced from the bimah on the Shabbat prior to the anniversary of the passing of the loved one. You may also wish to request that more than one member of your family receive notice of a yahrzeit. If you need to add a name to the yahrzeit list, please contact the Temple office at 858-451-1200 or lbaker@adatshalom.com.

It is customary to give a donation to a synagogue fund in memory of a loved one at the time of a yahrzeit. Donation envelopes are available from the office or to make a donation online, click here.


Yarzheit Memorial Plaque
If you wish to create a permanent remembrance to a loved one, you may wish to have their name commemorated on one of our yarzheit memorial plaques in the sanctuary. A light next to the plaque will be lit every year of their yahrzeit, which provides a certain comfort to those remaining. Names inscribed on these plaques are included in the congregation's annual Yom Kippur memorial listing, and are read at the annual observance of the yahrzeit of the deceased. Click here to fill out a form to request a yarzheit memorial plaque.