Word Prompt – YAHRZEIT – Shea Rubenstein

This subject is deeply personal to me. Having lost my father when I was six years old, I have observed 42 years of yahrzeits in his memory. When we lose a parent, we often look for ways to show them continued respect and honor. By gathering as a family to visit a gravesite or performing acts of service for the community, we bring pride and happiness to our lives.

According to Jewish tradition, these actions also elevate the soul of the departed, providing us with a meaningful connection to previous generations. I believe this tradition serves as a powerful healing method for those seeking that connection. A beautiful aspect of our heritage is that we do not view those who have passed as simply gone; they remain connected to us spiritually and through the values and traditions they instilled in us to pass on to future generations.