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Why do english-speaking Orthodox Jews in the UK wish someone “long life” on the occasion of the anniversary of the death of relative?
I can understand this wish directly after the death when I have heard that a person should consider himself as being judged but I find it difficult to understand say 20 years later. I also understand the wish that the soul of the departed should be elevated in the world-to-come.
According to Rabbi Harvey Belovski
The Hebrew original of this greeting is richat yamim, "length of days" or chayim aruchim, "long life." [cut]
Although it may seem incongruous, this greeting is even offered to an elderly person. Judaism attaches such a high premium to every moment of life that we wish everyone, young or old, length of days to carry out their sacred purpose in this world. The greatest blessing we can receive is the promise of long life, one especially dear in the face of a recent bereavement or when recalling a family tragedy on its anniversary.
Based on interactions that I have had with Jews from various parts of the world, this custom is practiced in the UK, South Africa, and Australia.
South African Jews also use the expression "I wish you a long life" as a response to mourners. I have been told by some that should only be said after a funeral, not after the news of the death, but I don't know if there is a legitimate reason for this claim. In my experience, American Jews do not use and are mostly not familiar with the expression "I wish you a long life."
