Reciting Yizkor for Deceased Brother While Parents are Alive

Question

Dear Rabbi,
I’ve always known that if both your parents are alive, you are supposed to leave the synagogue during Yizkor. My situation is that my parents are both alive and healthy, but I had a brother who died many years ago. I would like to recite Yizkor for him. Can I remain in the synagogue and do that?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Firstly, please accept my blessing that your parents be blessed with many more years of good health together.

    Personally, I think that the simplest thing to do is to ask your parents if they would object to your staying to recite Yizkor for your brother. If they do not object, there is no problem with you remaining in the Synagogue when Yizkor is recited. If they do object, their wishes should be listened to and you should not stay in the Synagogue during Yizkor.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team