Yizkor
Question
Hi! I will be reciting Yizkor for the first time this Shavuot. Can you please tell me something about the prayer so I can be prepared?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
The exact origins of Yizkor are unclear. It seems that it is first mentioned in the work of the Maharil which would put it at late 12th century. The Maharil was an authoritative codifier of the customs and practices of the Ashkenazi community.
The custom is to recite Yizkor on the last day of a holiday (whether it’s the last day in Israel or the Diaspora) and on Yom Kippur. It is interesting to note that on these days, the second day of Yom Tov outside of Israel, the Torah reading is always the portion of “Kol Habechor.”
A possible connection between the Kol Habechor reading and Yizkor might just be that the Tora reading discusses making a charitable donation which is also a feature of the Yizkor prayer. Indeed, although mentioned the name of the deceased in Yizkor is certainly of merit, the primary source of merit for the deceased is the charitable donations that one pledges when reciting Yizkor. One should make a separate pledge to charity for each person one is reciting Yizkor for.
Yizkor is primarily recited upon one’s parents passing, but once one is reciting Yizkor anyways, it is customary to include other relatives, as well.
One who cannot make it to the synagogue when Yizkor is recited may recite it alone at home.