Dear CBI Community,
Boker Tov. Good Morning. I hope that everyone is doing OK in these crazy and sometimes scary times. It has been very encouraging to see many of you at our evening services and adult education sessions. If you need any spiritual/emotional or financial support, or just want to say “hello,” please reach out by emailing me at rabbiresnick@cbi-nj.org.
This week, starting tonight, we will be marking two significant dates on our Jewish calendar, Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Yom HaZikaron [Monday night and Tuesday] is a very important day on the Israeli calendar. It is dedicated to remembering fallen soldiers and people who were killed in terrorist attacks. Everyone in Israel has someone to remember — a dad, a child, a mom, a cousin and/or a friend. Israel is a small country; 24,969 Israeli Jews have been killed in war and attacks from pre-state to today, and over 30,000 have been injured.
Literally, the entire country comes to a halt for a moment of silent tribute to the fallen so that “their memories will be for a blessing!” [Join the Masa event below for the moment when the nation comes to a standstill.]
The solemnity of the day is shattered by the joy of Yom Ha’Atzmaut [Tuesday night and Wednesday]. We just read in the Haggadah that we went “from despair to light.” That is what happens in Israel between the two days. It is very powerful to be a part of that.
Yom Ha’atzmaut is Israel’s “July 4th” when all Jewish Israelis celebrate. Israelis are off from work, there are enthusiastic musical celebrations and BBQ’s all over the country in celebration of 72 years of the Jewish State.
We can participate in these days by connecting with our services and programs here at CBI and elsewhere. BOTH days are meaningful and both days teach us what it means to be a Jew in 2020.
Yom HaZikaron Programs
TODAY – Monday, April 27th
Masa Yom HaZikaron Memorial Ceremony at 12:50 p.m. EST
On the eve of Yom HaZikaron, we will commemorate IDF soldiers and victims of terror at the largest virtual ceremony for the Jewish world, live-streamed on Facebook. The ceremony will commence together at the time of the siren of Yom HaZikaron in Israel (during the day here in NJ). CLICK HERE for more information or here for Masa Facebook Page.
CBI Erev Yom HaZikaron Maariv Service from 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Join for a candle lighting and a reading PLUS listen to Ofer Livne and Rebecca Finkel as they speak about their experiences serving in the Israel Defense Forces. A fitting tribute on Yom HaZikaron. It is a tradition to light a memorial candle for fallen Israeli soldiers and citizens. CLICK HERE for the Yom HaZikaron Service.
Tuesday, April 28th
Stronger Together on Israel’s Yom HaZikaron 2020 by The Jewish Agency for Israel Shlichim (Israel Emissaries)
Join the Jewish Agency for Israel Shlichim (Israeli emissaries) to honor the soldiers who gave their lives serving Israel by engaging in meaningful online programming via Zoom led by North American Shlichim. While we may not be able to commemorate these fallen heroes at in-person community events this year, we can unite virtually to pay tribute – Every one of us, together. Click here: https://www.jewishagency.org/zikaron2020/
Yom Ha’atzmaut Programs
Tuesday, April 28th
CBI Erev Yom Ha’atzmaut Maariv Service from 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Join Cantor Wallach as we celebrate singing Hallel – traditional service for holidays – and festive Israeli songs! Please wear blue & white to add to our festivities! CLICK HERE for the Yom Ha’atzmaut Service.
NOTE: BBRS students are being treated to a wonderful Yom Ha’atzmaut program on Tuesday afternoon with The Bible Players from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Be sure to check your BBRS emails from Rabbi Julie!
Wednesday, April 29th
Worldwide Celebration of Israel’s Independence Day from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Don’t miss the Global Yom Ha’atzmaut hosted by Jewish Federations of North America featuring Matisyahu, film star Joshua Malina, the Brothers Platt (Ben, Henry and Jonah), celebrity musicians, exclusive scenes from Israel’s official celebration on Mt. Herzl, a special performance of “Hatikva,” and more. Livestreamed through Facebook or YouTube. Register here.
I look forward to seeing you at these events. How amazing it is to commemorate and to celebrate the rebirth of a Jewish state and be able to be free to be a part of that. And despite the uncertain times we are living through today, we should try to take some time to participate in these days.
B’Shalom,
Rabbi Paul Resnick
P.S. If you are on Facebook, please be sure to join our celebration of Israel through your eyes! We are collecting favorite family photos on the CBI Facebook Page from your trips to Israel. Pictures may include family members or just be one of your favorite places in Eretz Yisrael!
