B"H
Tuesday, Nissan 27, 5783 (Hakhel Year) 12th Sefirah / April 17, 2023
Today has been designated as, Yom HaShoa, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Jews all over the world, especially in Israel, remember our 6,000,000 brothers and sisters who were brutally murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, eighty years ago.
Just like the Exodus from Egypt, which is celebrated on Passover, yet, it is a mitzvah (commandment) to remember it every day, so too, the Holocaust in which six million of our brothers and sisters were murdered, should be remembered each day of the year.
For over three thousand years, at the Pesach Seder, we recited the "Vehi She’amda," in which we are reminded that, "In every generation there are those who want to annihilate us, but G-d saves us from their hands." That message is still as powerful today as it ever was.
The anti-Israel and anti-Semitism on social media, on university campuses; in the U.N. and by governments all over the world, remind us of how true this message is even today.
“Yom HaShoah” carries even greater significance today as our brethren in Israel have to be on guard constantly from neighbors who want to annihilate them, G-d forbid. Yet, it is Israel who is always blamed as the aggressor when in truth they are practicing self-defense.
The most effective answer to the Anti Semites who want to annihilate us, isto assure Jewish survival and continuity - physically and spiritually.
We pray that G-d watch over and protect the soldiers of the I.D.F. (The Israeli Defense Forces) who risk their lives on the front lines daily. May G-d protect all who live in Israel and Jews everywhere.
Q. We remember our departure with the Kaddish prayer. What is the significance of Kaddish?
A. "Kaddish" is a prayer in which we praise, glorify, and sanctify G-d's name. Kaddish serves two functions: It benefits the soul of the deceased to rest in peace in Gan Eden. It also shows that we accept G-d's judgment and proclaim His justice. This, too, benefits the soul of the deceased.
Q. Why is the Kaddish recited in Aramaic, not in Hebrew?
A. At the time the Kaddish was introduced the majority of the people spoke Aramaic and didn't understand Hebrew. In order that everyone in the congregation would understand the meaning of these words, it was established in Aramaic.
Q. What is the significance of observing "Yartzeit," the day of passing, each year?
A. Each year on the day which the soul departed from this world it ascends to a higher spiritual level. The Kaddish which we recite and all the mitzvot we perform, in the merit of the soul, on that day helps it attain a higher spiritual level. May we merit the revelation of Moshiach NOW. Amen.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY