Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day
Holocaust Memorial Day, is a relatively recent addition to the Jewish calendar. Its observances are still evolving, with very different approaches taken and little agreement on the best way to mark the day.In Israel, Yom HaShoah, is an official holiday. In the Diaspora, more Jews have taken to observing this memorial day, as a way of deepening their understanding and connection to the tragedy.
Yom HaShoah V'HaGevurah: Israel
Yom HaShoah begins in the evening, according to the Jewish calendar. Throughout Israel, all places of entertainment are closed, except those featuring special programs on the Holocaust. In the evening a siren is sounded throughout the country, and all stand for two minutes of silence to reflect upon the tragedy.
Yad Vashem, the national organization for Holocaust research and education, hosts programs each year. Generally schools present special programs for the students on the Holocaust and related issues.
Ceremonies usually feature the lighting of memorial candles, and a presentation by a survivor. Sometimes memorial prayers are recited, and poems, writing, and other artwork of victims of the Holocaust are displayed. Often names of victims are read aloud, along with programs on the destroyed Jewish communities of the Holocaust.