The Modern Jewish/Israeli Holidays

We find ourselves in the middle of the “Yoms”. This past week, we commemorated Yom HaShoah Ugvurah, Holocaust Memorial Day, and this coming week, we will have Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, and Yom Haatzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Each of these days carries profound meanings, reminding us of our history, sacrifices, and hope for the future.

Yom HaShoah is a solemn day dedicated to the memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust at the hands of the Nazis. The date was chosen both for its proximity to the other two Yoms and for its connection to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. It is always an opportunity for us to honor the memories of those lost and to reflect on the resilience of those who survived. This year, we held a community-wide commemoration at Temple Beth Sholom. As we lit candles and recited prayers, we stood in solidarity with the few remaining survivors and their families, ensuring that their stories are never forgotten. In a world where antisemitism still exists, Yom HaShoah calls us to combat hatred and intolerance. It reminds us of the importance of education and remembrance, ensuring that such horrors never happen again.

This coming week, starting on Monday evening, April 20, we will observe Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day. It is a day of remembrance for the fallen soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces and victims of terrorism. Established in 1963, this day allows us to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our homeland. We honor the bravery and dedication of those who fought for Israel’s right to exist as a nation. With Israel in a current state of war, the holiday ma

intains deep significance and importance. In remembering those we've lost, we also recognize the ongoing struggles faced by the State of Israel and all of its citizens in harm’s way every day.

Incredibly, the community is tasked with transitioning directly from mourning to celebration as Yom Haatzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, starts Tuesday evening, April 21. This day commemorates the declaration of the State of Israel in May of 1948, marking a miraculous moment in Jewish history. Once again, while Israel is in a state of war, it is difficult to celebrate. I think the day reminds us of why Israel is fighting. They are fighting for a homeland where Jews can live freely and safely. They are fighting to continue the growth and vitality of the Israeli people, Jews, Arabs, Christians, Druze, Bedouins, and more, across various fields like arts, sciences, medicine, and social development. They are fighting for the diaspora Jewry too.

As we make our way through these Yoms, let us reflect on our history and use it to guide our future.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Bradley Tecktiel