The new Kolel Yahrzeit wall at the BJCC

Jewish Memory

Keeping the name and memory of loved ones alive in our hearts in an integral part of Judaism. Honouring the anniversary of the passing of a family member is often commemorated with lighting a plaque on a Yahrzeit board.

Marcel Wieder's remarks:

It is a great honour that Tina and I are able to make this Yahrzeit wall a reality. We are delighted at the response and the number of people who have honoured their loved ones in such a meaningful way. We want to thank all those who have purchased a plaque for doing so.

The public act of memorializing a loved one demonstrates that they were not only an individual, but also part of a community. And since Kolel roughly translates into community it is appropriate that Kolel undertakes this effort.

There are two key aspects of Kolel’s Yahrzeit program. The first you see before you in a tangible and tactile manner. The second is the learning that will be done in honour of those listed on the wall. As a centre of adult Jewish learning it is fitting that Kolel is incorporating learning as part of the memorial program. Through the process of learning, benefit will accrue to the person sponsoring the study, the person studying and the soul of the deceased person in whose merit the studying is being undertaken.

Tina and I agreed to sponsor this Yahrzeit wall as a way to allow members of our community regardless of affiliation to honour their loved ones. The name of my father, Sam Wieder, is among those listed on the board. He is also honoured with the Ner Tamid (or Eternal lamp) that hangs in front of the ark.

It seems for some reason that my family has a connection to keeping the flame of Jewish tradition burning strong and bright. So it is most appropriate that this dedication take place on Chanukah.

Kolel, like the candles of Chanukah or flame of the Ner Tamid or the light of this Yahrzeit wall stands as a beacon for Jewish values. For over a decade Kolel has offered adult Jewish learning through Jewish texts and thought and connects the many faces of Judaism in a liberal, pluralistic environment. As a student I understand how important Kolel’s role is in our community.

Tina and I are proud of this Yarhzeit wall and the organization that made it a reality. I want to say a special thank you to Sam and Jack Markle who helped guide us through this process for their input and creativity. I also want to thank Rabbi Goldstein for her vision of providing a way for members of the community to honour and remember their loved ones.

It is customary to remember the yahrzeit of a loved one with prayer, learning and tzedakah. Kolel is now providing an important service that the whole community can benefit from. I encourage you to let family and friends know about this Yahrzeit wall.

On this, the second day of Chanukah, the light of the Jewish community is brighter with the honour that all of you have bestowed upon your family and friends by honouring their memory on this Yahrzeit wall. May their memory be a blessing to you and Klal Yisrael.