The word Yahrzeit is Yiddish and translates as “time of year.” In Judaism, there is a focus on carrying on the memory of those before us from generation to generation. Based on Jewish law, the Yahrzeit is the day one year following the death of a loved one as calculated in accordance with the Hebrew calendar, and is traditionally honored on that date, which differs from the English (Gregorian) calendar.” – from www.shiva.com
On September 11, 2001, the Hebrew calendar date was 23 Elul, 5761. This year, 23 Elul corresponds to August 31–meaning today is the 20th Yahrzeit of 9/11.
Jewish custom calls for reflection on the anniversary of a death, and the Museum’s mission of remembrance compels us to honor the losses sustained in the attacks. In this spirit, one year after the attacks, the Museum opened an installation called Yahrzeit: September 11 Observed. From stories of frantic flight that beautiful Tuesday morning to examples of the rituals and laws dealing with death and mourning, Yahrzeit: September 11 Observed presented a selection of the many ways in which Jews, Jewish organizations, and neighborhood institutions experienced and addressed September 11, 2001 and its aftermath.
An encore presentation, Yahrzeit: September 11 Remembered, was on view August 26 – October 12, 2011 for the 10th Yahrzeit.
The Museum’s proximity to the site of the tragedy and our identity as a downtown cultural institution compel us to continue to reflect and remember with the community and our neighbors. This year, on September 11, please join the Museum and the Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra for a 9/11 Tribute Concert, which can be attended in person or watched remotely via livestream.