Interestingly, Biblical feast days and Israeli civic holidays often come in groups of three. The first three feasts God ordained for the Jewish people were Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of First Fruits, all grouped together within the 8-day Passover celebration which concluded last week.

Now, Israel ushers in three civic holidays, beginning with Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) commencing at sundown this evening. Jews around the world will spend a somber day of remembrance and commemoration of the loss of over 6 million Jewish men, women and children during the Holocaust.

Then, a week later, beginning at sundown on April 20, Israelis will honor fallen soldiers on Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day). Life is precious to Israelis and their day of honor is a significant civic holiday.

The very next day, mourning of the lost turns to joy of independence as Israel celebrates Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Imagine celebrating Memorial Day and Fourth of July in America on back-to-back days! From quiet, contemplative remembrance to raucous gatherings and BBQs on the beach, complete with flyovers by Israeli fighter jets reminding people of how far they have come as a nation in 78 years!

Astute readers will say, “But, I thought Israel was reborn as a nation on May 14, 1948.” You are correct! However, Israel functions on the lunar calendar as opposed to our solar, Gregorian calendar. Thus, Israeli holidays do not fall on the same Gregorian calendar day each year.

As you go through the week ahead, remember these Israeli civic holidays. Pray for the families who lost loved ones in the Holocaust and soldiers in Israel’s wars. Then, offer prayers of thanksgiving and celebration as God faithfully fulfilled His promise that Israel would be reborn in a day! (Isaiah 66:8)