The Tikkun: Serving Food on a Yartzeit
Question
Why do people serve food at the synagogue on a yartziet?
Answer
Hi!
Thank you for your question!
There is indeed a widespread custom to serve food and drink in the synagogue following morning services when observing a yahrtzeit. These refreshments are referred to as a “Tikkun.” The word Tikkun means “to correct” or “to perfect.” It is explained that the blessings recited before and after eating these refreshments serve as a merit to the deceased and to “correct” and “perfect” the soul of the deceased.
It is worth mentioning that the custom of serving a Tikkun on a yartzeit is at odds with the original customs to actually fast on a yartzeit! Fasting on a yartzeit used to be quite normative based on the teaching that the day of a death of a relative is a day of ill fortune and the fast helps do away with any such concerns. So too, fasting ensures that one will remember the deceased throughout the day. Fasting is also said to gain atonement for the deceased.
Nevertheless, the rabbis acknowledge that fasting is quite difficult for most people and therefore the Tikkun replaced the fast. It is also argued that the blessings and amens recited by everyone in attendance before and after eating the foods does more for the soul of the deceased then a fast. Hosting a Tikkun is also said to be a fulfillment of the mitzva of hachnassat orchim, which serves as yet another merit for the deceased. [1]
It is customary to bless the one hosting the Tikkun with long life. Indeed, it is that when Jews come together to wish each other l’chaim, God forgives all our sins.
Source
Nedarim 12a; Sefer Chassidim 231, 232; OC 568:1, 7, 8; Taz , OC 568:5; YD 378:4; Sdei Chemed , Beit Haknesset, Mem; Minhag Yisrael Torah , OC 132:7; Elya Rabba 568:15; Terumat Hadeshen 293; Mahari Mintz 9; Chatam Sofer , OC 161; Levush 402:12.