Yizkor

'recalling of the souls'),[note 1] commonly known by its opening word Yizkor (Hebrew: יִזְכּוֹר, lit.

'may [God] remember'), is an Ashkenazi Jewish memorial prayer service for the dead.

[3][note 2] In Sephardic custom there is no Yizkor prayer, but the hashkavot serve a similar role in the service.

The earliest source of Yizkor is the Midrash Tanchuma, which mentions the custom of remembering the deceased and pledging charity on their behalf on Yom Kippur.

[7] It is customary for those with both parents alive to leave the main sanctuary during the Yizkor service, out of respect or superstition.