THOI maintains a Book of Life to commemorate deceased congregants on the Anniversary of their passing. Members in good standing are also welcome to inscribe the names of loved ones (usually parents and grandparents) they wish to remember. It does not matter if your relatives were part of another congregation or have Yahrzeits observed elsewhere.
Loved ones can be honored whatever their faith; there is no requirement that they be Jewish.
Names of those commemorated in the Book of Life whose Yahrzeits occurred in the weeks preceding THOI Shabbat services are read aloud before the Kaddish memorial prayer. They will also be listed in the Quarterly Bulletin.
When inscribing loved ones into the Book of Life it is customary, though not required, to make a contribution for their remembrance. Similarly, to honor relatives’ Yahrzeits on the Anniversary of their passing, it is traditional to give tzedakah (a donation) to recognize their love, good deeds, and inspiration during their lifetimes. Any deceased THOI Member is automatically entered into the Book.
If you would like your loved one’s names inscribed, please provide their names, relationship, and English date of death to Ruth Chodrow, our THOI Secretary, at rchodrow@gmail.com.
