Yup, a year.  My mom died last December 9th and so it feels like a day of reflection.  Too bad we don’t have anything formal like the Jews: Yahrzeit is a memorial anniversary of death. On this day there should be no rejoicing, no eating of meat or drinking alcohol. There is a custom of kindling a yahrzeit candle at dark on the evening before the anniversary of death. The flame and wick symbolize the soul and body of the deceased. One also recites the Mourner's Kaddish on this day. Or the … [Read more...]