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Yom HaShoah

 

B”H, both personally and communally, this year’s Pesach went quite well. Our sedarim were very enjoyable, services were well attended and everyone liked the kiddushes. In addition, four of my six children together with their families came to celebrate with us. Needless to say, our home was extremely lively. It was wonderful to have had them all here and B”H, they’ve all returned to their respective homes. 

Now that Pesach is over – what’s next? For starters, today is Yom HaShoah. One of the results that came from the Shoah was the commitment to “Never Again” permit massacres or genocide. Tragically, time and time again, the world has miserably failed at fulfilling this pledge, despite expressing it over and over. Why? This is a question addressed by Aaron David Miller in an op-ed he wrote last week titled, “Why the world fails on the ‘Never again’ pledge.” 

My takeaway – the Jewish People and Israel cannot rely on anyone but ourselves and G-d to protect us. Which brings me to the next date on our calendar – Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzma’ut - May 4-5. It’s no coincidence that Israel chose to juxtapose Memorial Day and Independence Day. Without the people who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of having a Jewish State – there is no Jewish State. Therefore, their sacrifice needs to be seriously recognized before celebrating the existence of the State of Israel. 

In the past, we’ve had our own Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzma’ut program followed by a dinner. I’m debating if there’s an interest in doing so this year as well. Since we’re talking about NEXT WEEK, I’d appreciate hearing your opinion by this coming Sunday.