Overview

This tutorial explains how to generate Yahrzeit notifications using the Yahrzeits query screen. It covers:

• Filtering Yahrzeit records by observer/deceased and by date range
• Selecting output fields for the results
• Sending notifications via email using a template
• Handling observers without email by routing them to hard-copy letters using a Member Attribute
• Understanding the difference between Hebrew-date and Gregorian-date Yahrzeit processing

Navigate to the Yahrzeits Query

1. Go to Queries → Yahrzeits.
2. Use the available filters depending on your goal:
   • Deceased name: search by the deceased individual.
   • Observer name: find all Yahrzeits observed by a specific member.
     • Enter any portion of the observer’s first and/or last name to locate matches.

Run a Date Range Query (Monthly Example)

1. In the date range area, choose a time window.
   • Use the convenience option to select all of next month, or manually choose another range (weekly, semi-monthly, custom).
2. For a full-month run, select the entire month (example used: September 1–September 30).
3. In Choose fields to appear, select the columns/fields you want included in the results.
4. Click Search.

Understand the Date Conversion and Grouping

After searching, the system converts the selected Gregorian date range into the corresponding Hebrew date range.

• The results will include a section for Yahrzeits that fall within the translated Hebrew date range (example shown: Elul through Tishrei).

Send Notifications by Email

1. From the results, choose Email as the delivery method.
2. Select a Yahrzeit email template.
   • A starter template is provided, and templates can be customized for formatting and content.
3. Send the emails.

Handling Missing Email Addresses

If any observer does not have an email address on file, the system will report that the email could not be sent for that person.

Configure Postal Mail Routing (Member Attribute)

To conveniently generate hard-copy letters only for those who require postal mail, use a Member Attribute.

1. Go to Configuration → Member Attributes.
2. Create (or confirm you already have) an attribute for postal delivery.
   • Example attribute: PM with label such as Postal Mail (the name/abbreviation can be anything).

Assign the Postal Mail Attribute to a Member

1. Open the member’s record (example: the observer missing email).
2. Add/enable the Postal Mail (PM) member attribute.
3. Save the member record.

This is typically a one-time setup per member.

Re-Run the Yahrzeits Query for Postal Mail Only

1. Return to Queries → Yahrzeits.
2. Select the same date range (example: the full month of September).
3. Add a filter for Member Attribute = Postal Mail.
4. Confirm the fields-to-appear selections (these are retained from the prior query).
5. Click Search.

The results should now include only members marked for postal mail.

Generate Hard-Copy Letters Using the Same Template

1. From the filtered results, choose Hard copy letter (print/mail output).
2. Use the same template that was used for email.
3. Generate and print the letter.

Hebrew-Date vs Gregorian-Date Observance

Yahrzeit observance may be recorded based on either:

• Hebrew date of death (e.g., Elul 15), observed when that Hebrew date occurs, regardless of the Gregorian date.
• Gregorian date of death, observed on the corresponding Gregorian calendar date, regardless of the Hebrew date.

If your community includes observers using both methods, you must run notifications for each relevant section:

• Use the Hebrew-date section for Hebrew-based observances.
• Repeat the notification process for the Gregorian date section to cover Gregorian-based observances (e.g., deaths occurring between September 1 and September 30).

Related Topics

Additional lessons may cover:

• Bimah lists
• Advanced email templates
• Letter template customization

See the full video: