Yizkor

The service has four parts:

• A series of readings and prayers that sets the mood for the solemn service.
• Passages that are read silently, recalling a departed father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, other relative, a friend, or Jewish martyrs. Each person reads the passages that are pertinent.
• The chanting by the cantor of El Male Rahamim (God Full of Compassion).
• The congregational recitation of Av HaRahamim (Ancestor of Mercies) as a memorial for all Jewish martyrs and Psalm 23.

Although in its traditional structure Yizkor does not include the recitation of the Mourner’s Kaddish, many congregations – including Washington Hebrew Congregation – do add this prayer to the service.

We recite Yizkor not only on Yom Kippur, but also on the festival holidays of Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot.