Let's Study:
Calendar and Holidays
Contemporary Holidays
Less than 100 years ago, Jewish life radically changed, and two new events are now marked on the Jewish calendar: Yom HaShoa'ah, Holocaust remembrance day on the 27th of Nisan (this year April 18, 2004) and Yom Ha'atzma'ut, Israel's Independence day, the 5th of Iyyar (this year Monday April 26). (Both holidays-- like all Jewish days, begin the evening before). In Israel, the day before Yom Ha'atzma'ut is the sombre day of remembrance for Israel's fallen soldiers, but this Yom Hazikaron has not (yet) entered diaspora consciousness. (Note that in Israel, Yom HaSho'ah is combined with acts of resistance and heroism, termed Yom HaSho'ah vehaGevurah. Israel's national 'macho' character has an ambivalent relationship with Holocaust memorial- on the one hand, it deeply mourns the loss of the Jewish people, while on the other, is uncomfortable with the typically diaspora (pre-Zionist) Jewish mentality of not being able to properly defend itself.
For Jewish history, anything less than 500 years old is still a novelty, so these new dates on the Jewish calendar are too recent to have long Jewish traditions, and customs are still evolving. (For example, Yom Ha'Atzma'ut- clearly a hugely significant event- falls during the Omer counting (a semi-mourning period), and communities are divided as to whether or not Hallel should be recited). It is fascinating to be watching as the Jewish world struggles with creating 'authentic' Jewish practice for a new age.
Yom HaShoah
As there are no community standards, how is one to acknowledge Yom HaShoah? Perhaps reading a book on a holocaust theme (Eli Wiesel) or watching a movie on the Holocaust. Consider the practices of Tisha b'Av (eating no meat) or shiva (no frivolous entertainment). Many communities have memorial services; check your local synagogue. Also, if you have a holocaust centre or museum in your area, pay a visit. (There may also be some lectures or programmes). Ultimately, living a Jewish life all year long is the best way to commemorate the Jewish communities that have been lost.
It is becoming a custom to light a (specially coloured yellow) 'Yahrzeit' candle and placing it by the window. Jules Harlow has written this memorial prayer to recite:
As I light this memorial candle I vow never to forget the lives of the Jewish men, women and children who are symbolized by this flame. They were tortured and brutalized by beasts; their lives were taken in cruelty. May we be inspired to learn more about our six million brothers and sisters as individuals and as communities, to recall their memory throughout the year, so that they will not suffer a double death. May we recall not only the terror of their deaths, but the spendour of so many of their lives. May the memory of their lives inspire us to hallow our own lives, and to live meaningful Jewish lives so that we may help to ensure that part of who they were shall endure always.
