The Yahrtzeit Day - Customs

The day of the yahrtzeit (Jewish anniversary of passing) is an especially vital time for the departed soul. On this day, the soul has the opportunity to secure greater and greater spiritual uplifts.

While any Mishnah study is meritorious, classic Jewish sources cite specific customs which are said to be particularly propitious for this day.

It is customary to study the final four Mishnahs from the seventh chapter of Tractate Mikvaos, where the initial four letters of those Mishnahs spell the word נשמה, soul. This study elevates the soul to a higher heavenly sphere in the next world. (P’nei Boruch 39;13;26) Some have the custom to study the entire seventh chapter of Tractate Mikvaos. (Nit’ei Gavriel, Laws of Mourning 64:1)

There are those who are particular to study Tractate Chagigah on the yahrtzeit. (P’nei Boruch 39:13:28) Others have the custom to study the twenty-fourth chapter of Tractate Keilim as well; the seventeen Mishnahs of this chapter represent the numerical value of the Hebrew word טוב, good. Furthermore, each Mishnah in this chapter ends with the words טהור הוא, or טהורה היא—“It is spiritually pure.” The final Mishnah ends with the words בין מבפנים ,בין מבחוץ, טהור —“Both within and without, it is spiritually pure.” These words contain Kabbalistic references to the purity of the deceased’s soul. (Ibid)

Furthermore, there is a custom to study chapters of Mishnah in which the initial letter of each chapter corresponds to the order of letters of the Hebrew name of the deceased, and the deceased’s father. Some include the name of the deceased’s mother as well. (Nit’ei Gavriel, Laws of Mourning 64:4:9) If there are repeat letters within the name, one may either study the same chapter again, or a different chapter beginning with the same letter. (Ibid, 64:4:10)

Upon completing any Mishnah study on the yahrtzeit day, it is customary to recite a special prayer, אנא, a prayer specified to bring elevation to the soul. (P’nei Boruch, 39:13) This prayer is not said on the Sabbath or Jewish holidays. (Gesher HaChayim, 32:3)

Finally, it is especially beneficial to recite Tehillim/Psalms in memory of the departed. (Divrei Sof’rim, Laws of Mourning 376:53:351)

Would you like assistance in furnishing any of these sources of merit for the soul of a loved one? Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah can help you reach your goal.

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