Yizkor and Joy: An Intention

Yizkor is not the initial Kaddish, nor is it only for one annual recitation, nor it the Yahrzeit, which is bound up in the particulars of my loved one. Yizkor is, by definition communal, scheduled on days that contain elements of joy, and ongoing.

Perhaps, eventually, it’s like saying, “Well, here we are again. It’s been a while,” with an old friend, who — if we are blessed — our ancestors eventually become. The process of Yizkor provides regular opportunity to let some of the complexities of this-worldly relationships melt away, so that — eventually — all that is left is light, all that’s left is love. This deep kind of joy, more aptly described as settledness or peace — is made more possible by the processing of loss and grief, of returning for a moment at sacred intervals.

May our ancestors be blessed.

So too, may we.

Amen