Contemporary
The "Yoms"
What are all those "Yoms" in April?
WHAT ARE THEY?
Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha-atzmaut are all new holidays based on the reality of Jewish history.
WHY ARE THEY?
Yom Hashoah is Holocaust Remembrance Day, on which we acknowledge the catastrophe and enormity of the Holocaust, and memorialize the 6 million we lost. This is followed by Yom Hazikaron, Israeli memorial Day on which we recall the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism in israel. It always precedes the next day’s festivities of Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel Independence day, celebrating the day of Israel’s statehood and establishment as the Jewish national homeland. Yom Yerushalayim--Jerusalem Day--is the most recent addition to the Hebrew calendar. Jerusalem Day celebrates the unification of the city in 1967.
WHEN ARE THEY?
Yom Hashoah is the 27th of Nisan; Yom Hazikaron the 2nd of Iyar and Yom Ha'atzmaut is the 5th of Iyar. Yom Yerushalayim is the 28th of Iyar. In order to avoid having the festival either on Shabbat, or immediately before it the commemoration and celebrations are advanced to the preceding Thursday which might be the 3rd or 4th of Iyar). In 2004, the law was changed to include if the 5th of Iyar falls on Monday, the festival is postponed to Tuesday Iyar 6, so that Yom Hazikaron will not be immediately after the sabbath.
WHERE ARE THEY FROM?
All these holidays are new additions to the ancient Hebrew calendar. They have all been declared “official” by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and have been accepted by all the denominations.
WHAT DO WE DO?
On Yom Hashoah, the community offers city-wide commemorations. A special scroll called Megillat Hashoah was commissioned several years ago and is read on during that week at a major community gathering. On Yom Hazikaron there are special memorial services and in Israel a nation-wide commemoration including a moment od silence throughout the country. On Yom Ha'atzmaut the community celebrates with dancing, singing and israeli fairs and entertainment. In israel there are huge public celebrations with fireworks. While the city of Jerusalem has significant meaning for all Jews, Yom Yerushalayim has yet to obtain the popularity of Yom Ha'atzmaut and is not observed extensively outside of Israel.
WHAT DO WE EAT?
Israeli foods like falafel, humus, pita are eaten on Yom Ha'atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim. Although Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron are not fast days, we at more simple meals on those days.
WHAT DO WE SAY?
“Chag Sameach”!
Tue, September 26 2023
11 Tishrei 5784
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Upcoming Events
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Tuesday ,
OctOctober 17 , 2023Israel Engagement presents "Fighting Through the Courts for the Soul of Israel"
Tuesday, Oct 17th 7:30p to 9:00p
Ms. Erez-Likhivesky will speak about the situation on the ground in Israel today in light of the proposed judicial changes, and the LGBTQ+, Women’s rights, Arab rights and other cases she and her team are fighting in order to to retain a liberal foothold in Israeli society. Time for discussion and a great opportunity to hear from a leading proponent of social justice and democracy in Israel today. -
Wednesday ,
NovNovember 29 , 2023Israel Engagement presents "Confusion and Conversation"
Wednesday, Nov 29th 7:30p to 9:00p
Things in Israel are changing rapidly. So are our own questions and feelings as Diaspora Jews. This evening is to explore “the situation” and to grapple with our personal and communal relationship with Israel with your Rabbi and our member Jon Allen, former Canadian ambassador to Israel. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 5 , 2024Gloria: A Life - April 23, 7 PM; Talkback with Rabbi Goldstein for this performance only
Sunday, May 5th 7:00p to 9:00p
The Harold Green Theatre is presenting "GLORIA: A LIFE" Sunday, April 23, 7 PM - The Greenwin Theatre, Meridian Arts Centre. This performance only: Rabbi Elyse Goldstein will be leading a Talking Circle at the conclusion of the play