Today marks one year since my mother’s passing, on May 3, 2020, at age 93. You can see my post about her funeral service (which I had to attend via Zoom because of the pandemic) here.

My parents’ graves lie side-by-side at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for the Aged Cemetery in the Baker Street Jewish Cemeteries in West Roxbury. My father passed away in 2009 at the age of 82.

Recently my mother’s grave marker was completed, and made to look the same as my father’s. Here are some photos my sister took today.

Before sunset I will light a Yahrzeit candle in her memory.

“The Jewish Mourner’s Handbook” says there are no standard prayers to accompany the lighting of the candle and that one may recite any of the Psalms related to the funeral service, such as Psalms 15, 16, 23, 42, 49, 90, 91, or 144. I’m not a believer, but have always found the 23rd Psalm to be especially beautiful, so I’ll mention it here.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’ sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.