Yizkor Dates

Here is a list of days when Yizkor is to be recited for the following years:

Passover Shavuot Yom Kippur Shemini Atzeret
2025 April 20
(In Israel, April 19)		 June 3
(In Israel, June 2)		 October 2 October 14
2026 April 9
(In Israel, April 8)		 May 23
(In Israel, May 22)		 September 21 October 3
2027 April 29
(In Israel, April 28)		 June 12
(In Israel, June 11)		 October 11 October 23
2028 April 18
(In Israel, April 17)		 June 1
(In Israel, May 31)		 September 30 October 12
2029 April 7
(In Israel, April 6)		 May 21
(In Israel, May 20)		 September 19 October 1
2030 April 25
(In Israel, April 24)		 June 8
(In Israel, June 7)		 October 7 October 19

What Is Yizkor?

Yizkor, the memorial prayer for departed loved ones, is said four times a year: The eighth day of Passover, the second day of Shavuot, Yom Kippur, and Shemini Atzeret.

In Israel, where the holiday calendar is somewhat different, we say Yizkor on: The 7th day of Passover, Shavuot (there is only one day), Yom Kippur and Simchat Torah (which is combined with Shemini Atzeret).

The text of the prayer asks G‑d that the souls of our loved be “bound up in the bond of life with the souls of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, and with the other righteous men and women who are in Gan Eden” in merit of the charity that we give in their honor.

Yizkor is recited at synagogue during the morning services after Torah reading. In many communities, those whose parents are still alive leave the sanctuary for the duration of this short service.

Note: Some people have the custom to light a 24-hour candle on the evening before Yizkor is said. When Yizkor coincides with Shabbat, be sure to light this candle in the afternoon, before lighting the Shabbat/holiday candles. And whenever lighting a candle during the holiday, be sure to use a pre-existing flame and not to extinguish the match when done.