Book of Remembrance
נֵ֣ר יְ֭הוָה נִשְׁמַ֣ת אָדָ֑ם
The soul of a person is the candle of God
Proverbs 20:27
Four times a year we gather together in community for Yizkor, to remember family and friends and members of our beloved community who have died, whether more recently or long ago. It is traditional to light a candle in anticipation of Yizkor as an expression of the preciousness of the human soul, truly an expression of God’s light. One human being has the ability to illuminate each of our lives and the world in such profound ways.
This is a sacred collection of names, short stories, and remembrances of those who helped shape our lives and the life of the BJ community. How are their memories a blessing? What did we learn from them? How did their deeds impact us? In their absence, how are we changed?
As we recite Yizkor, remember our loved ones, and mention their names, we commit to carry forth their memory by honoring their lives and pledging to carry forth their legacy in our day-to-day existence.
May these recollections which we share with one another as part of our beloved BJ community help bring light, comfort, and hope.
Zikhronam livrakha—may their memories continue to bless us and inspire us to lives of dignity and purpose.