A New Way to Commemorate Yom HaShoah or how a Tradition Begins

Today at Lakeside Congregation's annual commemoration of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, we came together with Congregation Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Congregation to commemorate the Shoah, to learn about the Mid-Atlantic Slave Trade and celebrate both our congregations being together and having the ability to sing and pray joyously together.

We began the morning by inviting the whole congregation to light yahrzeit candles in memory of the 6 Million who perished in the Holocaust.  As  El Malai Rachamin, the traditional prayer chanted at funerals for the ascension of the souls of the 

dead, was chanted the congregation was transfixed.  We concluded with the mourners Kaddish and then Rabbi Capers Funnye spoke about the Mid Atlantic slave trade and it's relevance today.  There are similarities between these two horrific events from our combined histories.  Every year we dedicate one Sunday morning, the closest to Yom Hashoah and have a special t'filah, service.  As survivors who can speak become not just harder to find but much fewer in number we realize we must look to change this commemoration in the future and this year's solution was meaningful and appropriate for all ages.  

Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Choir

Our congregation was especially delighted to sing and rejoice in the day when the choir from Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken began their part of the program.  The Lakeside choir was also very excited to join in for some songs as well.  

Our Choir with Cong Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken

From Hine Mah Tov to Mah Tovu they songs were familiar and different at the same time.  The combined congregations were on their feet and clapping as we sang Go Down Moses.  The congregation clapped, sang, danced and had such a joyful morning.  I can't wait to talk with my students next week and ask what they learned and took away from this t'filah.  I know that it will be something they will remember and I hope that this is the continuation of a tradition with Congregation Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken.  

What is a טקס (Teckes) and have you been a part of one?

Yahrzeit Candles for Yom Hashoah T'filah

As soon as you hit Spring in Jewish education/Jewish World it's one holiday and ceremony after another.  There is a great Hebrew word, טקס, (teckes), which means ceremony but when you hear the word you know the ceremony is important or at least special. In Israel a teckes could be a military ceremony of the highest order, any school graduation or a Purim Assembly.  At my congregation, Lakeside, we always have a teckes for Yom Hashoah.  We have a beautiful service, light yahrzeit candles and then have a speaker. I have not called it a teckes but it is certainly a teckes.

Karen Barak

This year our speaker was Karen Barak who is the child and grandchild of Holocaust survivors.  She told us what had happened to her family through pictures, song and story.  It was a moving program which our older students and parents were engaged throughout the morning.

Adam Teaching Hatikvah

Tuesday May 16, on Yom Ha-atzmaout during Hebrew school we had a fun day of Israeli Dance, learning Hatikvah, and playing gaga a fun version of Israeli dodge ball.  We ended the day with a delicious Israeli treat of Hummus and pita. 

This weekend we have the opportunity to celebrate Israel Solidarity Day at Ravinia in Highland Park on Sunday April 28 which is also L'ag B'Omer.  There are many great entertainment acts and I think it will be a fun afternoon, AFTER Religious School.  Click here for more information: Israel Solidarity Day.

I love being a part of a bigger group and being part of Israel Solidarity day certainly does it for me.  I think being a part of any teckes happening at your congregation, your city or your community.   I love planning these ceremonies and being part of a teckes.  As the Spring moves on I hope you take part in many ceremonies, Jewish, secular and family. Enjoy and I have a few more ceremonies that I will be blogging about shortly.