Calculate annual Yahrzeit memorial dates for a loved one based on the Hebrew calendar. Enter the civil date of passing and time relative to sunset to generate observance dates, Yahrzeit candle lighting times, and Yizkor prayer schedules for up to 20 years.
How Yahrzeit Calculations Work
The annual remembrance of a loved one (Yahrzeit) is observed on the Hebrew anniversary of the date of death. Because Jewish dates begin at sunset and follow a lunisolar calendar, the corresponding civil Gregorian date changes every year.
Our memorial tool calculates observance dates through the following process:
- Hebrew Date Identification: Converts the civil date of passing into its precise Hebrew date, incorporating whether the passing occurred before or after sunset.
- Multi-Year Projection: Calculates annual Hebrew anniversary dates for future years, applying halachic rules for leap years and month length variations.
- Candle Lighting and Yizkor Schedule: Provides the exact evening to light the 24-hour memorial candle (sunset prior to the Yahrzeit date) and lists major holiday Yizkor services.
For technical details on how our system processes complex calendar rules, view our calculation methodology and open source data sources.
Important Considerations
Calculating an accurate Yahrzeit date involves specific calendar rules and community traditions. In cases of doubt or complex circumstances, consulting a qualified rabbi is recommended.
Sunset Time of Passing
Because a new Jewish date begins at sunset, a passing that occurs after sunset belongs to the following Hebrew date. For example, if a passing occurred on November 1 at 8:00 PM (after local sunset), the Yahrzeit is observed annually on the Hebrew date that began at that sunset, not the Hebrew date of the daylight hours of November 1.
First Yahrzeit Customs
While annual Yahrzeits are observed on the anniversary of the date of death, some traditional authorities observe the very first Yahrzeit on the anniversary of the burial if several days elapsed between death and interment. Because traditions vary among Ashkenazic, Sephardic, and regional communities, families should confirm first year customs with their local rabbi.
Leap Years and Adar Anniversaries
When a passing occurs during Adar in a regular year or during Adar I or Adar II in a leap year, specific anniversary rules apply:
- Passing in a Regular Adar: In a leap year, Ashkenazic custom generally observes the Yahrzeit in Adar I (or both Adars), while Sephardic custom observes it in Adar II.
- Passing in Adar I or Adar II: A passing in Adar I is observed in Adar I during leap years and in regular Adar during non-leap years. A passing in Adar II is observed in Adar II during leap years and in regular Adar during non-leap years.
Variable Month Lengths (30 Cheshvan and 30 Kislev)
The Hebrew months of Cheshvan and Kislev alternate between 29 and 30 days. If a passing occurs on 30 Cheshvan or 30 Kislev in a year when that month has 30 days, but in a future year that month has only 29 days, calendar rules specify whether the Yahrzeit is observed on 29 Cheshvan/Kislev or 1 Kislev/Tebet. Our calculator applies standard halachic rules for these variable dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should the Yahrzeit memorial candle be lit?
The Yahrzeit candle is lit at sunset on the evening before the Yahrzeit date, as the Jewish day begins at sundown. The candle should burn continuously for approximately 24 hours throughout the day of remembrance.
What if I am unsure whether the passing occurred before or after sunset?
If the exact time of death relative to sunset is unknown, our calculator can display both possible Hebrew dates. You may consult a rabbi to determine which date to establish for annual observance.
How is Yahrzeit observed in a Hebrew leap year?
In a leap year containing both Adar I and Adar II, community customs differ. Most Ashkenazic communities observe Yahrzeits for a regular Adar passing during Adar I, while Sephardic communities typically observe during Adar II. Some individuals light candles and recite Kaddish during both months.
What are the four holiday Yizkor services?
Yizkor communal memorial prayers are recited in the synagogue four times a year: on Yom Kippur, on the final day of Sukkot (Shemini Atzeret), on the final day of Passover, and on the second day of Shavuot (or the single day of Shavuot in Israel).
Does this site store personal names or dates of passing?
No. All calculations are performed instantly in your browser. We do not store, track, or save any personal names or dates entered into the calculator.
For additional guidance on mourning traditions and prayer customs, read our dedicated Yahrzeit guide.
Related Memorial and Calendar Resources
To assist with further calendar lookup and historical verification:
- Convert related civil or burial dates using our Hebrew date converter.
- Learn about lunisolar calendar mechanics in our comprehensive Jewish calendar guide.
Use the calculator above to generate annual Yahrzeit remembrance dates and Yizkor schedules for your loved ones.