Yahrzeit

or Jahr·zeit

[ yahr-tsahyt, yawr- ]

noun

, Judaism.

1. the anniversary of the death of a parent, sibling, child, or spouse, observed by lighting a memorial lamp or candle the night before and reciting the Kaddish at the evening service of the day before and at the morning and afternoon services of the day itself.

Yahrzeit

/ ˈjɔːtsaɪt /

noun

1. Judaism the anniversary of the death of a close relative, on which it is customary to kindle a light and recite the Kaddish and also, in some communities, to observe a fast

Word History and Origins

Origin of Yahrzeit¹

1850–55; < Yiddish yortsayt, equivalent to yor year + tsayt time ( tide ¹ ); compare Middle High German jārzīt anniversary

Word History and Origins

Origin of Yahrzeit¹

Yiddish, from Middle High German jārzīt anniversary; see year , tide ¹

Example Sentences

"I have 'Yahrzeit' for my mother," explained Jo Lewis, glancing toward the taper after greeting his visitors.

From Project Gutenberg

There would be no Yahrzeit light burning for twenty-four hours.

From Project Gutenberg