Yesterday we mentioned that the international community commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day in January, though it is commemorated today in Israel. Why is that? Why does Israel celebrate Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day) almost back-to-back (within an 8 day span)? Though we tend to focus more on …
Despite the conflict, Israeli's will celebrate their 73rd birthday as a reborn nation today. "But wait," you say! "Didn't they just celebrate that a few days ago?" Yes, remember...Israel celebrates many holidays according to the Hebrew lunar calendar, rather than the Gregorian calendar in use today. But, never ones to turn down an opportunity to …
Continue reading Yom Ha’Atzmaut: Happy 73rd Independence Day, Israel!
As of sundown last night, the nation of Israel pivoted from one of the most solemn days of the year to one of the most joyful. Yom HaZikaron (yesterday) commemorated the 26,000+ Israelis who have died at the hands of combat or terrorism since Israel's rebirth as a nation in 1948. Israelis revere their soldiers …
Continue reading The Significance of Israel’s Independence Day
The Jewish people have a quality no one else in the world seems to have. Having gone through the Holocaust, they have an understanding of grief beyond what most of us can ever begin to fathom. Yet, having survived the Holocaust (as a people group), the Jews have an incredible zest for life and the …
Continue reading Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut: Deep Sorrow to Extreme Joy
Looking for the Blessed Hope 