In Israel, it's a national holiday. Public entertainment is closed, as well as many cafes and restaurants. Radio and television devote their entire broadcasts to the fallen and the day is punctuated by moments of silence, when even highways come to a standstill.
In North America, Yom Hazikaron (Israel Remembrance Day) is also accompanied by moments of silence. Unfortunately, not ones of reflection but ones of apathy and neglect. In ways this is symptomatic of the Western mindset. People like a party. We embrace Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), and are happy to celebrate. Contemplating the sacrifice that brought us there is often beyond our interest.
Maimonides relates that during the Messianic Era all fast days commemorating tragedies will be abolished. All but one, the Fast of Esther (Hil. Megilah 2:18). Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik z'tl explains that the Fast of Esther fundamentally differs from all other fasts. In fact, its sole purpose is to engender joy. We can only celebrate the joy of Purim if we first reflect upon the historical sacrifice that brought us the salvation. We live in a "Yom Ha'atzmaut world." Everyone likes to show up to the party. But in order to truly celebrate and appreciate the gifts of life we need to first engage the reality of Yom Hazikaron. (Join us on Sunday at 8pm as our children lead the memorial.)
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TRIBUTE JOURNAL DEADLINE THIS COMING MONDAY @ NOON!
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HAMILTON HEBREW ACADEMY GALA
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Sunday, April 30th @ 8pm
Israeli Remembrance Day at the Adas
Presented by the students of the Hamilton Hebrew Academy
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Tuesday, May 2nd @ 6pm
Israeli Celebration & Dinner at the Adas
Kid's under 4 Free / $5 child (5-10) / $10 Adult / $36 max family.
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Hamilton Kollel
Women's Rosh Chodesh Event
Sunday, May 7th @ 8:00pm
235 Bowman Street
Guest Speaker: Rivky Karfunkel
Rebbetzin of the Forest Hill Jewish Centre
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Naamat Celebrity Authour Luncheon
with Camilla Gibb
Tuesday, May 2nd @ 12pm at Adas Israel
$25 pp / $22 Seniors Students /$30 door.
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Last Folio Exhibit at the Art Gallery of Hamilton
On View Until May 14th
Time had stood still since the liquidation of the Jews from Bardejov, Solovakia in 1942. Canadian Yuri Dojc returned to his former home only to find synagogues and schoolhouses untouched. On display, his documentary, photos, and artifacts.
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