<P> The use of a yahrzeit candle is a widely practiced custom, where mourners light a yahrzeit candle that burns for 24 hours, on the anniversary of the death on the Hebrew calendar . The word "yahrzeit" (Yiddish: יאָרצײַט ‎ yortsayt) itself means "anniversary" (or more specifically "anniversary (of a person's death)") in Yiddish, originating from German Jahr, year, and Zeit, time . It is customary to light the candle inside one's home, or near the grave of the deceased . The candle is also lit on Yom Kippur and there are also customs to light a yahrzeit candle on the dates when yizkor is said (Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, final day of Pesach, and Shavuot). It is also customary to light the candle during the shiva, usually a larger one that lasts the entire seven days . The custom of lighting a yahrzeit candle comes from the Book of Proverbs 20: 27 "The soul of man is a candle of the Lord ." </P> <P> The custom of lighting a yahrzeit candle for the deceased is very widespread and deeply ingrained in Jewish life . Many Jews who are otherwise unobservant follow this custom . Today, some people use an electric yahrzeit candle that plugs into the wall instead of an actual candle for safety reasons . </P> <P> The yahrzeit candle is lit during the week of Shiva (mourning). It is also lit at sundown on the eve of the yahrzeit (anniversary of the death) and at sundown preceding the start of Yom Kippur and at sundown preceding the last day of Succot, Passover and Shavuot . These holidays all have yizkor (memorial) in synagogue as well . </P> <P> Many observant Jews light candles made for Yahrzeit observance at the start of holidays which last for two or three days in order to allow the lighting of candles on the following days, since on holidays other than Shabbat and Yom Kippur lighting of flames is prohibited, while transfer of fire is permitted . 48 hour and 72 hour candles have also been manufactured for these purposes . </P>

When do you light a yahrzeit candle on yom kippur