Missing You

I’m feeling somewhat nostalgic this morning—perhaps it’s the time of year.  I find myself thinking especially of two loved ones of mine who have passed away—and how different the holidays were for me when they were a part of them. I smile and become misty-eyed as I remember some very happy times spent with each of them.

There is a Jewish tradition of burning a special candle on the anniversary of a close relative’s death.  The candles are available at just about every supermarket—probably found in the section containing Jewish foods.  It’s called a Yahzeit candle, and its purpose is to serve as a symbol of keeping the memory of the deceased alive.  The tradition calls for lighting the candle at night, saying a prayer, and allowing it to burn for 24 hours.  The small candles are completely encased in a glass for safety.  When I’ve burned them in the past, I’ve placed them on my stove, away from anything that could catch fire.

While Jews have observed Yahrzeit since Talmudic times, the ceremony wasn’t called Yahzeit until the 16th century.  Interestingly, the word actually comes from the German word, Jahzeit, a word used by the Christian Church for the occasion of honoring the dead.

So on my things to do list today is to buy Yahzeit candles for the two whom I’m thinking of today, to say a separate prayer for each, and then to light them.  Just thinking about doing this is comforting.

“True friends are the ones who never leave your heart, even if they leave your life for awhile.  Even after years apart, you pick up with them right where you left off, and even if they die, they’re never dead in your heart.” — Anonymous

Enjoy your day