[Yahrzeit candles are set on the table in dim light room, surrounded by Shabbat candles. Picture of each is placed next to the candle. Stones are present as well. After each person, a candle is lit]
[Sing soft niggun]
[Someone displays picture by the candle] And the life of Sarah was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. She was a gracious host, forgiving wife, and all Jews are blessed to call her, “Mom.” May her memory be a blessing. [Someone displays picture by the candle] And the life of Rose Mallinger was 90 years and 7 years; these were the years of the life of Rose Mallinger. A pillar of her synagogue; known as Bubbie to everyone in her community; with sharp wit, humor, and intelligence until her last day. May her memory be a blessing. [Someone displays picture by the candle] And the life of Joyce Feinberg was 70 years and 5 years; these were the years of the life of Joyce Feinberg. A statistician who never saw people as mere numbers; it was important to her to keep in touch with all who touched her; she mastered social media to keep up with her six grandchildren. A kind human being. May her memory be a blessing. [Someone displays picture by the candle] And the life of Daniel Stein was 70 years and 1 year; these were the years of the life of Daniel Stein. A happy, caring, and sympathetic husband, father, and grandfather. A simple man who loved going to synagogue. The best man you'd ever want to know. May his memory be a blessing. [Someone displays picture by the candle] And the life of Irving Younger was 60 years and 9 years; these were the years of the life of Irving Younger. A serial volunteer and worshipper; First one into prayers, last one out. He welcomed and helped every stranger he could, making sure newcomers found their way through the prayerbook. A wonderful dad and grandpa. Never an unkind word to say about anybody. May his memory be a blessing. [Someone displays picture by the candle] And the life of Melvin Wax was 80 years and 8 years; these were the years of the life of Melvin Wax. "Mel" was sure to call those who were sick in the hospital. Always came to services early and stepped up to lead when somebody did not show up. A sweet, sweet guy. May his memory be a blessing. [Someone displays picture by the candle] And the life of Richard Gottfried was 60 years and 5 years; these were the years of the life of Richard Gottfried. He reconnected with his Judaism after his father died, later becoming president of his shul. He helped others love their smiles as a dentist serving immigrants and refugees. He welcomed the stranger and helped prepare interfaith couples for their married lives together. May his memory be a blessing. [Someone displays picture by the candle] And the life of Jerry Rabinowitz was 60 years and 6 years; these were the years of the life of Jerry Rabinowitz. He died helping the wounded could not help themselves. A compassionate and nonjudgmental doctor and healer, with an infectious laugh and smile. He was always sure to take off his rubber gloves so he could hold his patients' bare hands during their hard moments. May his memory be a blessing. [Someone displays picture by the candle] And the life of Sylvan Simon was 80 years and 6 years; these were the years of the life of Sylvan Simon. A loving husband who always opened the door for his wife. A true lover of America. He died with his wife in the same synagogue they were married in. May his memory be a blessing. [Someone displays picture by the candle] And the life of Bernice Simon was 80 years and 4 years; these were the years of the life of Bernice Simon. A devoted wife, she was generous and there was not a person she did not treat with kind. She died with her husband in the same synagogue they were married in. May her memory be a blessing. [Someone displays picture by the candle] And the life of Cecil Rosenthal was 50 years and 9 years; these were the years of the life of Cecil Rosenthal. The synagogue was his refuge, his happy place. A loving big brother to David. Generous, social, and grateful for connection. He was welcoming and accepting of all. May his memory be a blessing. [Someone displays picture by the candle] And the life of David Rosenthal was 50 years and 4 years; these were the years of the life of David Rosenthal. He felt safe in the synagogue. A loving little brother to Cecil. Kind and of gentle spirit. He never missed a prayer service. He loved life. May his memory be a blessing. [Sing soft niggun] May the merit of their memory and the lights of their lives help give us strength to welcome in Shabbat and bring sweetness into the world. [Light from yahrtzeit candles to Shabbat candles; Blessing over Shabbat candles] core idea credit: Josh Lorch, Bais Abe Community |