A peaceful celebration of the memories our loved ones leave with us when they pass.
I was sad when Grandpa died. I think about how sad Mom was too. Mom says she misses Grandpa, but all her memories are like shining lights.
Grandpa died last November. Now, one year later on the anniversary of his death, a boy and his family light a special candle. It’s not a birthday, Hanukkah, or Shabbat candle. It’s a yahrzeit candle in remembrance of him, and it will burn all night and all day tomorrow until sunset. But why does it burn for so long?
The boy and his family spend the next night and day remembering Grandpa and sharing stories with each other. From his stylish hats, to piano duets, and apple squares for dessert, warm memories of Grandpa shine like stars with them while the yahrzeit candle burns – and continue to shine when it goes out.
Features the Jewish memorial tradition of a yahrzeit candle
Demonstrates how happy memories of our loved ones help us deal with grief
Endnotes with more on the Jewish calendar and memorial traditions
More Details
Product Dimensions:10 x 9.75 inches
Page Count:32 pages
Age Range:6 to 8 years
Awards & Accolades
★"This is a first purchase not only because of its high quality, but also because of the scarcity of children’s books about the Jewish memorial custom of yahrzeit" – School Library Journal
About the Contributors
Written by - Alison Goldberg
Alison Goldberg is the author of fiction and nonfiction picture books. She often finds writing inspiration from family stories and thinking about the ways that stories can connect people across generations. Alison lives near Boston, Massachusetts.
Illustrated by - Selina Alko
Selina Alko spends her days dreaming and remembering in her Brooklyn, New York, studio where she mixes collaged papers and acrylic paint to make richly textured illustrations for children's books. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Selina often thinks about her Turkish father who taught her how to paint and encouraged her to become an artist.
