Program scheduled for Wednesday evening at 8:30 p.m. ET
The second day of Shavuot (this year, Shabbat, May 30) is one of the four times a year when Yizkor, a prayer for departed loved ones, is traditionally said in synagogue.
This year, millions of Jews will be unable to attend synagogue on Shavuot. While it is acceptable and proper to say Yizkor at home under these circumstances (the primary element of Yizkor is pledging tzedakah, something that can be done in any place at any time), it is understandable that many will miss the communal feel and synergy that comes from praying among fellow Jews, each of whom is connecting emotionally to the souls of their cherished family members.
To help fill that void, Chabad.org has prepared a pre-Yizkor event, which will feature a sermon from Rabbi Moshe Bryski, director and spiritual leader of Chabad of the Conejo in Agoura Hills, Calif., as well as brief prayer service and song by Cantor Aryeh Leib Hurwitz.
During the pre-Shavuot program, the names of loved ones that had been submitted in advance will scroll across the screen, allowing everyone to acknowledge and share the feelings of others, geographically divided but spiritually close. As of early afternoon on Wednesday, more than 5,000 names have been submitted with more pouring in every minute.
Set to air on Wednesday, May 27, at 8:30 p.m. ET, the program can be accessed at Chabad.org/Yizkor.
The program is among the cornucopia of tools, texts and articles Chabad.org has released to help people prepare for celebrating Shavuot at home.
