YIZKOR - REMEMBER...

Today is one of the four times of the year in synagogues the world over a special memorial prayer, Yizkor, is recited for relatives/ friends that have left this worldly existence. It will be my first time  to stay to include it in my prayers on this Day of Atonement since my Mom died last November.

The first word of the prayer Yizkor translates from Hebrew to REMEMBER. We ask G-d to remember our loved one's soul and by saying this prayer, make a spiritual connection between the deceased and family member. The prayer is not about mourning but praising the Almighty. 

Tzedaka (charity) is a big component of this remembering. 
Although my Mother was not raised in a religious/traditional home, she embodied important qualities, specifically of 'giving.' In her honor and memory I will continue the traditional mitzvah (good deed) of pledging to charities, something she can no longer do.

Traditionally a mourner also lights a Yizkor candle which burns for  24 hours before the holiday. 

Before the New Year holiday began since we were together, my family gathered around my Mother's gravesite as we had the 'unveiling,' stone setting, which is usually done within the first year of the individual's passing. There was an intimate short service as we paid our respects and continued the age old tradition of each placing a stone a top the marker representing our visit with two stones coming from Wisconsin.

 And we will say,
   "May her memory always be a blessing..."