I was thinking about the reasons for saying Yizkor on YomTov but hadn't found anything truly satisfying.
There is an explanation that since on YomTov we gather our family it is an opportune time to remember our family members who are not with us anymore.
There is the also an explanation that since we pledge Tzedakah that is similar to a main theme of YomTov of helping the poor but it left me feeling unsatisfied.
Connected to that thought, I was thinking about what it says in Rambam, about someone who refuses to invite guests on YomTov, that he is not celebrating YomTov at his meal rather he is celebrating the gluttony of his stomach. That a main component of YomTov is helping out someone who is less fortunate than one is. Which led me to think about those who have passed that they are the ultimate unniyim since they can't do Mitzvos anymore! So how do we help them out? Through doing Mitzvos on their behalf and in their memory and when we live a Jewish life and they helped raise us and give us life to be who we are we are able to tally Mitzvos on their score sheet.
2 comments:
Great point. Another point to ponder: on Musaf of Yom Tov we spend time talking about the destruction of the temple and the exile, although is can disturb the Joy of Yom Tov (just like Yizkor is a seemingly sad event in the middle of a joyous day). Perhaps the reason us the same: on Yom Tov we must think about the temple to make sure that our Joy is spiritual not glutenous.
Perhaps an added idea (to help us reach that understanding).
If one comes into Shul for Musaf and hears Mpnei chatainu yeah perhaps that's a little depressing but it comes in the context of Hu Elokeinu and Ata vechartunu then the feeling elicited is one of humility and not depression.
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