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WEDNESDAY WISDOM & WIT

04/27/2022 03:39:37 PM

Apr27

Rabbi Daniel Sherman

Passover ended this past Friday evening (and I want to congratulate our Temple Sinai Sisterhood on leading a beautiful Sisterhood Sabbath Service).  We always conclude Passover by remembering – first remembering the story of our people, and then remembering family and friends whom we have loved and lost over the years.

Now, less than a week later, we take a day to remember once again.  This evening marks the beginning of YOM HA’SHOAH – our annual Holocaust Remembrance Day.  Every year on Yom HaShoah we stop to remember the 6 Million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust, and we make a pledge never to forget.  It is up to us and to those who will come after us to remember those who were killed and to work to bring an end to genocide, as well as an end to hatred, bigotry, and prejudice and the violence that all too often goes with it.  We know what happens when no one stands up for those who are targeted and persecuted, those who are seen only as “different” or the “other” – and we have an obligation to stand up and fight for the rights and equality of every person.

May this year’s Yom HaShoah inspire us always to remember and never to forget – and may it lead us to do our part to help create a world of hope and peace for every individual, regardless of race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or anything that may divide us.

Our community-wide Holocaust Memorial Program will take place tomorrow, Thursday, April 28 at 7:00pm at Congregation Gates of Prayer in Metairie.  We will join together to remember and to hear the story of our local survivors.  For more information, please call the JCC or visit nojcc.org.

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784