Unveiling Ceremony at the Gravesite

Unveiling marks a transition in the process of mourning. It may take place any time after the 30-day sheloshim period. In the case of a parent, a mourner may choose to wait until after the 11-month period of avelut. There are no formal requirements in our tradition relating to the liturgy of an unveiling ceremony. Many families find it comforting to meet at the gravesite to unveil the monument, with appropriate prayers or psalms recited by family members or other attendees. Eyl Maleh Rachamim and Kaddish are usually recited. Although an unveiling ceremony does not require the presence of clergy, our Rabbis and Cantor are available to assist or lead the service.

A short set of readings for an unveliing may be downloaded here

 

Yahrzeit

Yahrzeitis observed annually on the anniversary of the death. Traditionally, the Hebrew calendar is followed; at Temple Beth Ami many families use the English calendar date unless otherwise requested. Yahrzeit is observed by attending services in order to recite Kaddish and lighting a 24-hour Yahrzeit candle at home. It is also a suitable date for performing acts of kindness and/or charity. At Temple Beth Ami, the name of the deceased is read at Erev Shabbat and Shabbat services immediately following the date of the Yahrzeit, although the specific timing may be changed upon request of the family.

You can find prayers for lighing the Yarzheit candle here

 

Yizkor service

Yizkor (literally "may He remember") is a prayer for the dead which is recited in the Temple four times each year – Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, the last day of Pesach and Shavuot. At Temple Beth Ami, Yizkor is recited during services on both the eve and morning of the last day of Pesach and of Shavuot.

The name of the deceased may be placed on the Temple Beth Ami Yahrtzeit list at any time and on a plaque displayed during the week of the Yahrzeit. Names may be placed in the Yom Kippur Memorial Book by submitting the form included with the High Holyday mailings. This book is distributed on Yom Kippur and used on other Holydays that include Yizkor. This book is distributed on Yom Kippur and used on other Holydays that include Yizkor.