Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day
Importance: Medium to low
Mood: Solemn
Background: Yom HaShoah, a “minor” holiday, is a time of remembrance for the millions of Jews who died in Hitler’s camp. “Shoah” is what the Gentiles refer to as the “Holocaust”.
Though it is not a biblical requirement, our family will observe this memorial day to demonstrate our solidarity with the people of Israel and to ensure that future generations will not forget this grave sin against humanity and repeat it.
Practice: We purposely stop our activities at some point during the day and silently confess this sin to Adonai. We do not pursue entertainment on that day. We talk about what happened or view educational videos on the Shoah. Any music is low-key. Flags are flown at half-mast. Some may choose to gather at the church for commemoration services, communal vigils, or educational programs. We may choose to recite appropriate psalms, songs, or readings or view a Holocaust-themed film.
Biblical Support: It is not a biblical requirement. It was only inaugurated in 1959. However, it fits with Hashem’s command to not forget the terrible crimes against humanity that were committed by the Amalekites (Deuteronomy 25:17; cp Psalm 74:18). Proverbs 24:11-12 seems to indicate a responsibility to speak on behalf of victims and to make sure that their plight is publicly known so that justice may prevail. Therefore, we observe Yom ha Shoah in the hope that by doing so we are doing our part in ensuring such a crime never reoccurs.
Mood: Solemn
Background: Yom HaShoah, a “minor” holiday, is a time of remembrance for the millions of Jews who died in Hitler’s camp. “Shoah” is what the Gentiles refer to as the “Holocaust”.
Though it is not a biblical requirement, our family will observe this memorial day to demonstrate our solidarity with the people of Israel and to ensure that future generations will not forget this grave sin against humanity and repeat it.
Practice: We purposely stop our activities at some point during the day and silently confess this sin to Adonai. We do not pursue entertainment on that day. We talk about what happened or view educational videos on the Shoah. Any music is low-key. Flags are flown at half-mast. Some may choose to gather at the church for commemoration services, communal vigils, or educational programs. We may choose to recite appropriate psalms, songs, or readings or view a Holocaust-themed film.
Biblical Support: It is not a biblical requirement. It was only inaugurated in 1959. However, it fits with Hashem’s command to not forget the terrible crimes against humanity that were committed by the Amalekites (Deuteronomy 25:17; cp Psalm 74:18). Proverbs 24:11-12 seems to indicate a responsibility to speak on behalf of victims and to make sure that their plight is publicly known so that justice may prevail. Therefore, we observe Yom ha Shoah in the hope that by doing so we are doing our part in ensuring such a crime never reoccurs.
