What is Yizkor in the Jewish tradition?

Yizkor is a memorial service recited four times a year, specifically on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret, Passover, and Shavuot. This service provides an opportunity for Jews to remember and honor their loved ones who have passed away. During Yizkor, individuals reflect on the lives of the deceased and recite prayers that express their remembrance and commitment to their memory. The significance of Yizkor lies in its communal nature, allowing attendees to join together in a shared experience of mourning and remembrance, fostering a sense of connection to both the departed and the community.

The other options, while they touch upon aspects of remembrance or community, do not accurately define Yizkor's specific role within Jewish mourning practices. A special meal, gathering of family, or charity can all be components of honoring the deceased, but they do not encapsulate the ritualized nature and communal recognition embodied in the Yizkor service.