This year, Yom HaShoah — the designated, solemn day we pause to remember the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust — was observed beginning at sundown on Wednesday, April 7, and ending at sundown the following day. All over the world, Jews honored the memory of the victims, reflected on how and why the Holocaust took place, and resolved to never let it happen again.
Quote: “While Yom HaShoah rituals are still in flux, there is no question that this day holds great meaning for Jews worldwide. The overwhelming theme that runs through all observances is the importance of remembering — recalling the victims of this catastrophe, and insuring that such a tragedy never happen again.
“The Shoah (Holocaust) posed an enormous challenge to Judaism and raised many questions: Can one be a believing Jew after the Holocaust? Where was God? How can one have faith in humanity? Facing this recent event in history, does it really matter if one practices Judaism?
“Jewish theologians and laity have struggled with these questions for decades. The very fact that Jews still identify Jewishly, practice their religion, and have embraced the observance of Yom HaShoah answers some of the questions raised by the Holocaust.”
— Jewish Virtual Library
Source: Jewish Virtual Library
Learn more about Yom HaShoah from the Jewish Virtual Library. ►
Watch “Israel: Country comes to standstill as sirens blare for Holocaust Remembrance Day” [1:45]. ►
Watch “Israel’s State Ceremony Marking Yom HaShoah” [1:32:26]. ►
Watch “New York, World Marks Holocaust Remembrance Day” (2018) [1:34]. ►
Photo: Shutterstock
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