What is the Jewish anniversary of a person’s death called?

The Jewish anniversary of a person’s death is called a yahrzeit.

Yahrzeit is a Yiddish word meaning “year time.” In many Jewish communities, a person’s yahrzeit is observed on the Hebrew calendar date of their death. Common practices include lighting a memorial candle, attending synagogue, reciting Kaddish when appropriate, and making charitable donations in the person’s memory.

A yahrzeit candle is traditionally allowed to burn for about 24 hours, although exact products and customs differ. The practice is distinct from shiva, the initial mourning period after burial, and from yizkor, a memorial prayer service held on certain Jewish holidays.

Because the observance follows the Hebrew date, its corresponding date on the Gregorian calendar changes from year to year. Authorities and communities differ about how to handle special cases, such as a death near sunset or during a leap year, so families often consult a rabbi.