How long does a Yahrzeit candle burn?

Yahrzeit candles are typically designed to burn for approximately 24 to 26 hours. This allows the candle to remain lit from the start of the Hebrew calendar date at sundown through the following evening. Exact burn time can vary slightly depending on the specific candle format and placement conditions.

When do I light a Yahrzeit candle?

The traditional practice is to light the Yahrzeit candle before sundown at the start of the Hebrew calendar date of the person's passing. If you're unsure of the Hebrew date, many Jewish calendars available in print and online provide a conversion tool from the secular date.

How many Yahrzeit candles should I light?

The standard practice is one candle per person being remembered. Families observing multiple Yahrzeits at the same time sometimes light one candle for each person. There is no strict rule on the number, family and community custom tends to guide this.

What surface should I place a Yahrzeit candle on?

A flat, stable, heat-safe surface is the practical starting point. Ceramic tile, a metal tray, or a stone surface works well. Avoid placing glass memorial candles directly on finished wood, as the heat from the glass can leave marks over a long burn.

Can I leave a Yahrzeit candle unattended?

Yahrzeit candles are traditionally left to burn throughout the full observance period, meaning they burn unattended for significant portions of that time. Using a glass container for a candle on a heat-safe surface, in a location away from flammable materials and drafts, is the standard safe setup. Standard fire safety practices apply.

Are Yahrzeit candles unscented?

Yes. Jewish Yahrzeit candles used for religious observance are unscented. This is consistent with the broader practice of keeping Jewish ritual candles fragrance-free.

Do you sell Yahrzeit candles in bulk for synagogues?

Yes. Bulk and wholesale pricing is available for synagogues, Jewish community centers, and other organizations. Contact us with your anticipated quantity and timing, and we'll work out a purchasing arrangement that fits your needs.

Can I use a regular candle for Yahrzeit instead?

A standard household candle is not an ideal substitute because it won't match the 24-hour burn expectation. A Yahrzeit candle in the appropriate format ensures the candle burns for the full observance window without needing to be replaced during the day.

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Yahrzeit Candles

A Yahrzeit candle is a memorial candle lit in memory of a loved one on the anniversary of their passing. A Yahrzeit candle is a quiet, lasting way to honor that date. Many people choose a candle intended to burn for approximately 24 hours, allowing it to remain lit from the start of the observance through the following day.

In this category, you can shop Yahrzeit candles by format and burn time to find something that fits your space and the way you observe. Single candles and multipacks are available, along with options suited for home use and larger community settings.

European Quality

Plant Based Wax

Braided Cotton Wicks

Eco-friendly Packaging

Yahrzeit Candles for Remembrance

The Yahrzeit candle, also called a Ner Neshama, meaning "candle of the soul," symbolizes the soul's enduring presence. It's lit at home, sometimes in a synagogue, and in some families in front of a photograph or memorial space dedicated to the person being remembered.

Most people light a single Yahrzeit candle for each person they are observing. Families with multiple losses sometimes light several candles together. The candle is generally lit just before sundown at the start of the Hebrew calendar date and left to burn out naturally.

Yahrzeit Candles for Remembrance

The most commonly chosen format is a glass-contained memorial candle designed to burn for about 24 hours. The glass container serves two purposes: it keeps the wax fully contained during the long burn and provides a stable base that doesn't require a separate holder.

When choosing, the main practical questions are burn time and quantity. If you observe multiple Yahrzeits throughout the year for parents, siblings, or other family members, ordering a multipack keeps you prepared without having to source them one at a time. For community or synagogue use, bulk Yahrzeit candles options are available to cover a full congregation's needs across the Jewish calendar.

Burn Performance and Setup

Long-burning candles need a stable, calm setting to perform well. Place the candle on a flat, heat-safe surface away from airflow, open windows, fans, and vents, as they can cause uneven burning. A ceramic tile, metal tray, or purpose-made candle board under the glass provides an extra layer of protection for the surface underneath.

Yahrzeit memorial candles in glass are self-contained, but the glass does get warm during an extended burn. Keep the area around the candle clear and make sure nothing flammable is close by. For a 24-hour candle, the setup doesn't need to be complicated. A steady surface, calm placement, and a spot where the candle won't be knocked are enough.

Bulk Yahrzeit Candles Ordering and Wholesale

Synagogues and Jewish community centers often stock Yahrzeit candles throughout the year for congregants who observe multiple anniversaries, for communal Yahrzeit observances, and for distribution ahead of high-holiday seasons. Bulk pricing is available for ongoing purchasing. Contact us with your quantity needs and observance calendar to discuss a restocking plan that works for your organization.

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