Yahrzeit Calculator

Yahrzeit Calculator, or Yahrzeit, is the name of the traditional Jewish observance for remembering someone, and it means "anniversary" in Yiddish.

On the Jewish calendar, it is the date of someone's death from one year ago.

However, since the Jewish Calendar is different than the Gregorian Calendar, you need to calculate when the anniversary of the death of a loved one falls on the Jewish Calendar.

The Meaning of “Nachalah”

While “yahrzeit” comes from Yiddish and has its roots in Ashkenazi tradition, some Sephardic Jewish communities refer to the anniversary of a loved one’s passing as “nachalah.” In Hebrew, “nachalah” means “heritage” or “inheritance,” and in this context, it reflects the idea of honoring the memory and comfort of someone who has passed away. Different Jewish traditions may use different terms, but the purpose is the same: to provide comfort and remembrance each year on the anniversary of a loved one's death.

The Yahrzeit Calculator

We have provided you with a free tool to calculate the anniversary of the death of a loved one on the Jewish calendar.

Traditionally, the annual remembrance of the death of a loved one starts at sunset on the anniversary of the Hebrew date of death.

On the Jewish anniversary of a death, it is traditional to (i) light a yahrzeit candle and (ii) recite the Kaddish prayer.

Yahrzeit Observance in Leap Years

While the Yahrzeit is most often observed according to the Hebrew date of passing, things can get a bit tricky if your loved one died in the month of Adar—a month that sometimes splits in two during Hebrew leap years: Adar I and Adar II.

Here’s what you need to know:

• If the passing was during Adar in a regular (non-leap) year, you'll observe Yahrzeit in Adar, as usual.
• If your loved one passed away during Adar I of a leap year, mark the Yahrzeit every leap year in Adar I.
• If the death occurred in Adar II (the second Adar of a leap year), then:
  • Observe Yahrzeit in Adar during regular years.
  • In future leap years, observe it in Adar II.

Most congregations will read the names of those being remembered during synagogue services on the Shabbat closest to the Yahrzeit. Although some families choose to observe the anniversary on the secular (Gregorian) date, following the Hebrew date is traditional and helps maintain the rhythm of Jewish remembrance.

How Jewish Communities Honor the Names of the Deceased

When it comes to commemorating a loved one during yahrzeit, Jewish communities have a heartfelt tradition of remembering those who have passed. One of the most meaningful customs is the public reading of the names of the deceased in the synagogue, usually on the Shabbat closest to the anniversary of their passing. This moment allows family, friends, and the wider community to reflect and join together in memory.

In addition to lighting the yahrzeit candle and reciting the Kaddish prayer, attending synagogue services holds special significance. It's a time when many choose to stand with their community while offering prayers and recalling the impact their loved ones had. Some Jewish communities may use different terms or slightly varied customs, but the core idea remains: the names of those who shaped our lives are spoken aloud, their memory carried forward as part of the collective Jewish experience.

Yahrzeit in Reform Jewish Practice

In Reform Jewish communities, the remembrance of a loved one’s yahrzeit is typically woven into synagogue life through the recitation of names during Shabbat services. Congregations gather to read aloud the names of those whose anniversaries of passing fall in that week, offering a moment of collective remembrance and comfort.

While some families in the Reform tradition choose to mark the anniversary according to the secular (Gregorian) calendar, there’s an emphasis—when possible—on honoring the original Hebrew date. This brings continuity with Jewish custom while allowing for the diverse backgrounds and practices found in many congregations. Ultimately, the unifying thread is a deep commitment to honoring memory and creating space for reflection within the wider community.

Ashkenazic vs. Sephardic Traditions

While the custom of marking the anniversary of a death is shared across Jewish communities, there are some distinctive traditions. Ashkenazic Jews commonly refer to the anniversary as "Yahrzeit," and observe it by lighting a candle, reciting the Kaddish, and often attending synagogue services. This practice developed in Jewish communities of Central and Eastern Europe.

Sephardic Jews, whose traditions stem from Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East, honor the anniversary but may use a different term—"Nachalah"—and sometimes include additional prayers or communal gatherings. The meaning and significance remain the same: a time to remember and honor loved ones, though the names and customs might differ slightly depending on heritage.

The Yahrzeit Candle

The Yahrzeit candle is made to stay lit for a full day.  Once lit, you should let these candles burn until they go out on their own.

Even though the ritual is usually done with a real candle, you can use an electric Yahrzeit candle instead to avoid any safety issues.  People often light Yahrzeit candles for close family members who have died, like a parent, spouse, sibling, or child.

You can also light a candle for a boyfriend, girlfriend, grandparent, or close loved one.

Please feel free to use the calculator below to figure out Hebrew birthdays, Hebrew anniversaries, and Yahrzeit dates for the next 20 years.

Kindling the Yahrzeit Candle on Shabbat or Festivals

If the yahrzeit falls on Shabbat or a Jewish holiday (Yom Tov), there’s a key tradition to follow: the yahrzeit candle should be lit before the onset of the holiday or Shabbat—basically, before you light the regular Shabbat or festival candles.

Because lighting a flame isn’t permitted once Shabbat or a holiday has begun, you’ll want to set aside a moment beforehand to light the yahrzeit candle along with your other preparations. If you don’t have a traditional candle at hand, using an electric yahrzeit candle is perfectly acceptable—especially if you have safety concerns or live somewhere where open flames pose a risk.

This way, the flame honors your loved one throughout the special day, without interrupting any holiday observances or rituals.