When do I light a Yizkor candle?

The traditional practice is to light the candle just before sundown at the start of the holiday on which Yizkor is observed. For Yom Kippur, this is before the fast begins. For Passover, Shavuot, and Shemini Atzeret, it is before sundown on the first day of the holiday.

How long should a Yizkor candle burn?

A Yizkor candle is generally expected to burn through the full day of observance, which means approximately 24 to 26 hours. This is why long-burning memorial candles in glass containers are the standard choice for this occasion. Our Yizkor candles match the expected duration without needing to be replaced.

How many Yizkor candles do I need?

Most people light one candle for each loved one they are remembering during the Yizkor service. Some families light a single candle to honor all those being remembered together. Because Yizkor occurs four times a year, a multipack covering all four observances is a practical option if you want to keep the supply simple.

Can I use the same type of candle for Yizkor and Yahrzeit?

Yes. The same long-burning memorial candle in a glass container is appropriate for both Yizkor services and Yahrzeit observances. The format serves the same practical need as a candle that burns steadily for about 24 hours in a stable, contained setup.

Do you sell Yizkor candles in bulk for synagogues?

Yes. Synagogues often order Yizkor candles in bulk ahead of Yom Kippur and other observances for distribution to congregants. Bulk and wholesale pricing is available. Reach out through the contact page with your quantity and timing, and we'll work out the right approach for your organization.

Are Yizkor candles scented or unscented?

Yizkor candles are unscented. This is consistent with the standard for Jewish memorial candles, where fragrance is not part of the observance and would be out of place in a synagogue or home memorial setting.

Yizkor Candles

Yizkor candles are memorial candles lit during Yizkor services, the Jewish memorial prayer recited four times a year. Many families prepare a long-burning candle ahead of each observance to honor those who have passed.

Because Yizkor comes around several times each year, keeping memorial candles on hand between observances is a practical habit for many households. This category focuses on candle formats suited to the full length of a Yizkor memorial period, with options for individual use and larger community needs.

European Quality

Plant Based Wax

Braided Cotton Wicks

Eco-friendly Packaging

Yizkor Candles for Memorial Services

The Yizkor prayer is a communal act of remembrance, and lighting a memorial candle is a personal way to honor those being remembered. The candle is typically lit just before the service and is intended to burn through the day of observance, making burn time one of the most important factors when choosing a Yizkor candle.

Glass-contained memorial candles are the standard choice for Yizkor because they burn for an extended period, remain stable without a separate holder, and keep the wax fully contained. A single candle per loved one is the most common practice, though some families light several together when observing multiple losses.

When Yizkor Is Observed

Yizkor is recited four times during the Jewish calendar year, which means the Yizkor candle needs to come up more frequently than some shoppers expect. Planning ahead for each occasion is simpler than sourcing candles at the last minute. The four observances are:

Yom Kippur
The most widely observed Yizkor service. Many people associate the Yizkor candle specifically with Yom Kippur, though it is recited on all four holidays.
Passover (Shemini Atzeret of Pesach)
The last day of Passover includes Yizkor in many synagogue traditions.
Shavuot
Yizkor is recited on the second day of Shavuot.
Shemini Atzeret
The conclusion of Sukkot includes a Yizkor service.

Keeping a small supply of Yizkor candles on hand throughout the year means you're ready for each occasion without having to make a separate purchase each time

Choosing the Right Yizkor Candle

Long burn time is the priority for Yizkor candles. A candle designed to burn for 24 to 26 hours can remain lit from the start of the observance through the following evening, which aligns with how the memorial day is observed. Shorter-burning candles aren't well-suited to this purpose because they'd need to be replaced during the day.

Glass-contained wax is the most practical format, as it keeps the wax self-contained during a long burn, doesn't require a separate holder, and is easy to place on a shelf, countertop, or memorial table. If you're purchasing for both home use and synagogue distribution, multipacks and bulk Yizkor Candle options provide consistent quality across the full order.

Burn Performance and Setup

Memorial candles are commonly lit just before sundown at the start of the observance and burn through the following day. A stable, heat-safe surface is the foundation of a good setup: ceramic tile, a metal tray, or a stone surface all work well under a glass candle. Avoid placing glass memorial candles directly on finished wood or fabric surfaces, as the heat builds up over a long burn.

Keep the area around the candle clear and away from drafts. Airflow from vents, open windows, or fans can cause uneven burning and increase smoke. Once the candle is lit on a stable surface in a calm location, it generally doesn't require any further attention during the observance period. Standard candle fire safety practices apply to any candle burning over an extended time.

Bulk Yizkor Candles Ordering and Wholesale

Synagogues distributing Yizkor candles to congregants before the high holidays and other Yizkor observances benefit significantly from bulk purchasing. A single order timed ahead of Yom Kippur or the Passover season covers the most widely observed services and can include extras for households that observe all four occasions. Wholesale pricing is available for ongoing community and organizational needs. Contact us with your quantity and calendar to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Yizkor candle is a memorial candle lit in honor of loved ones who have passed during the Yizkor memorial prayer service. It is typically a long-burning candle designed to remain lit through the full day of the observance. The practice parallels lighting a Yahrzeit candle but is specifically tied to the four annual Yizkor services rather than the anniversary date of a person's passing.

The candle itself is often the same format: a long-burning, glass-contained memorial candle. The difference is the occasion. A Yahrzeit candle is lit on the Hebrew calendar anniversary of someone's passing. A Yizkor candle is lit for the Yizkor memorial prayer, which occurs four specific times per year on Jewish holidays. Many families light a memorial candle for both occasions throughout the year.

Free Shipping

Free shipping on all orders nationwide.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Not happy with your order ? Yes we accept returns , Please read the refund policy for terms.

Buy More, Save More

The more you purchase, the bigger the discount.

Your cart