Definition
The term Ohel Yizkor is a Hebrew phrase that can be translated as “tent of remembrance” or “memorial shelter.” It is occasionally used as a name for various memorial structures, organizations, or commemorative initiatives, but it does not denote a single, widely recognized concept or institution in the academic or historical record.
Overview
Because the phrase is generic and can be applied to multiple contexts—such as a memorial hall, a charitable organization, or a commemorative event—there is no single, universally accepted definition. Instances of the name Ohel Yizkor have appeared in community bulletins, synagogue newsletters, and local news reports, typically referring to a place or program dedicated to honoring the memory of deceased individuals or groups. However, no comprehensive encyclopedia or scholarly source consolidates these usages into a unified entry.
Etymology / Origin
- Ohel (אָהֶל) – Hebrew for “tent” or “tabernacle,” a term that appears frequently in biblical and liturgical language to denote a shelter or a sacred space.
- Yizkor (יִזְכֹּר) – Hebrew verb meaning “to remember,” also the name of a traditional Jewish memorial prayer recited on certain occasions (e.g., Yizkor service).
Combined, Ohel Yizkor literally means “a shelter for remembrance,” suggesting a physical or symbolic space dedicated to memory.
Characteristics
Given the lack of a single, established entity named Ohel Yizkor, characteristic features are inferred from the term’s literal meaning and its occasional uses:
- Function: Typically serves a commemorative purpose, such as housing a memorial plaque, hosting remembrance services, or supporting charitable activities in honor of the deceased.
- Location: May be situated within synagogues, community centers, cemeteries, or standalone structures.
- Cultural Context: Aligns with Jewish traditions of honoring the dead and preserving collective memory, often associated with the Yizkor prayer service.
Related Topics
- Yizkor service – A memorial prayer recited on specific Jewish holidays.
- Ohel (structure) – Historical and religious significance of tents or shelters in Jewish tradition (e.g., the Tabernacle).
- Jewish memorial practices – Customs surrounding remembrance, including plaques, monuments, and dedicated spaces.
Note
Accurate information about a singular, formally recognized institution or concept named Ohel Yizkor is not confirmed in reliable encyclopedic sources. The discussion above reflects plausible interpretations based on the phrase’s linguistic components and its limited, context‑dependent usage.