Q&A: Memorial Candle for the Elevation of the Soul
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Memorial Candle for the Elevation of the Soul
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Is there really any point to lighting a candle for the elevation of the soul? How exactly does it work? What is the explanation? What does it do for the deceased that a flame is burning in his name? Is this only a mystical matter?
Answer
I assume it does nothing for him. It is done for you, not for him. It is a way to remember him and his yahrzeit. A custom. There is no need to make too big a deal out of it, but there is also no need to overanalyze it. People simply do it because that is the custom, and that’s that. What’s the problem?