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Apr

25

What do Jews do, Yom HaShoah, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut


Today is Yom HaShoah (remembering the Holocaust), next Tuesday is Yom Hazikaron (similar to our Memorial Day on which we remember fallen military) and next Wednesday is Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.

I don’t recall doing much to celebrate these occasions when I was a kid. I don’t know if that’s because I was raised Reform (and perhaps my synagogue didn’t do much?) or because something more practical got in the way (because these holidays absolutely weren’t observed by public schools). Looks like I have some more questions to ask my mother and father.

At my children’s Jewish Day schools, each of these days carried specific messages and rituals. Likewise at our synagogue now. However, in my home, we will most likely just say extra prayers and perhaps read some poignant passages. And, I’m going to ask more about how to observe on Thursday night at my next leadership fellows institute session.

About.com has a nice post to which people have contributed descriptions of how their communities commemorate Yom HaShoah.

Not to sound so sanguine, but frankly, as a Jew, and an Eastern European one at that, I feel as though I live the memory of the Holocaust all year long. Not necessarily every day, but it’s hard to believe that a day of remembrance is even necessary. Even though I understand why it is, particularly for the non-Jewish world to witness, if they care to.

What others have to say:

Here is a very nice blog entry, written in memory of relatives and describing what happens in Israel.

And another lyrical account of what someone did in Israel on this day.

Kentucky Democrat has this prayer.

Finally, from the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more information.

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By Jill Miller Zimon at 2:00 pm April 25th, 2006 in Politics 

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