A memorial service called Yizkor is performed on major Jewish holidays (Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret and the last day of Pesach and Shavuot). In Hebrew, Yizkor means “may God remember.” A yahrzeit candle is lit at sunset the night before each of these holidays to remember the deceased.

One usually says Yizkor on the first holiday after the death.

Some people give tzedakah (charitable donations) around Yizkor to honor the memory of the deceased by perpetuating their values.