YARTZEIT

HONORING THE SOULS JOURNEY

February 12th marks the fourth Yahrzeit of my beloved son, Sam. It’s a day of reflection, remembrance, and connection—a sacred pause to honor his life and the eternal journey of his soul. In Jewish tradition, we observe the Yahrzeit based on the Hebrew calendar’s anniversary of passing rather than the date on the Gregorian calendar. This practice reflects profound beliefs rooted in our understanding of life, death, and the soul's spiritual journey.

Why Observe Yahrzeit on the Day of Passing?

The day of passing is viewed as the completion of the soul’s earthly journey, the culmination of its life experiences, and its return to its divine source. Birth is the beginning, the first breath of a journey filled with opportunities to grow, love, and fulfill one’s purpose. But death, in Jewish thought, is not an end—it is a transition, a moment when the soul completes its earthly work and moves toward its next stage of existence.

By observing Yahrzeit on the anniversary of his passing, we honor the totality of the soul’s journey. It’s a time to reflect on the life lived, the lessons learned, and the legacy left behind. In many ways, it celebrates the soul’s return to the infinite, a reminder of the spiritual continuity that transcends the physical realm.

The Journey from Birth to Death—and Beyond

The path from birth to death is sacred. Each step along the way carries meaning, shaping the soul’s essence. In Jewish tradition, the day of passing is likened to a spiritual “birth” into a higher plane of existence. It is believed that the soul, having fulfilled its earthly mission, transitions to a realm where it can prepare for its next incarnation.

While some spiritual traditions focus on the soul’s rebirth or next life, Yahrzeit calls us to honor the journey completed in this past life. It’s a moment to recognize the soul’s impact on the world and the people it touched. Lighting the Yahrzeit candle becomes a way to bridge the worlds, illuminate the memory of the departed, and reaffirm their ongoing presence in our hearts and lives.

Observing Sam’s Yahrzeit

In Jewish tradition, the new day begins at sunset so that we will light Sam’s Yahrzeit candle the evening before. The candle burns for 24 hours, its steady flame symbolizing the soul’s eternal nature. For me, the flickering light is more than a symbol; it is a connection—a way to feel Sam’s presence, to honor his memory, and to reflect on the love and joy he brought to the world.

This fourth Yahrzeit is another milestone in my journey of grief and remembrance. Each year, I reflect on Sam’s life and how his spirit continues to inspire me. The Yahrzeit is a sacred opportunity to pause, share stories, and remember his laugh, passions, and unwavering spirit.

A Tradition That Anchors Us

The observance of Yahrzeit is deeply meaningful because it anchors us in time and tradition. It reminds us that while life is fleeting, the soul endures. For those of us who remain, it is a chance to honor the loved ones we lost, to connect with their memory, and to carry forward their legacy in our lives.

The decision to observe Yahrzeit on the day of death rather than birth reflects a profound respect for the soul’s journey. It recognizes that life is not measured by its beginning but by the impact it leaves behind—the love shared, the lessons taught, and the indelible mark left on those who carry their memory forward.

As I light Sam’s Yahrzeit candle this year, I’ll reflect on the journey from his birth to his passing and how his soul continues illuminating my life. The flame will remind me that while his earthly journey is complete, his spirit burns brightly in my heart, guiding and inspiring me to live with love, purpose, and gratitude.

May the memory of my son and all our loved ones who’ve crossed the threshold be a blessing.