Two posts for Yom Hashoah 5778/2018 - Remembrance and Resolve, Even Now

April 11, 2018
In remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust and recalling the heroism that created an opportunity for survival that might not otherwise have been possible. These candles were lit at our ceremony for Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, at Temple Beth-El tonight led by our Hebrew School students (and me). The 27 of us present represented not only ourselves but also generations past and, most important, the generations to come that will keep the lights of remembrance, learning, freedom and hope burning.

April 12, 2018
I just watched “G.I. Jews,” a film presented on PBS about American Jews who served in the military during World War II. They faced prejudice and taunting themselves - perpetrated by their fellow soldiers - because they were Jews. Eventually, the soldiers who liberated concentration camps 73 years ago, no matter what their religious background, reacted with deep anger to the results of the atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis that they witnessed during liberation. 
As tears welled up for me as I watched the film, I realize that my response came from more than years of taking part in commemorations of Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is today on the Jewish calendar.
My tears emerged because I see too many examples all around us of hatred, prejudice, dehumanization, denigration, bullying accompanied by name-calling and fearmongering intended to raise certain groups of people over others. Even with protests that bring people together to speak out, it is hard not to feel helpless.
Holocaust commemorations offer a platform from which we can realize that we, as individuals and as a community, have the capacity to answer indecency with integrity, to combat injustice with righteousness, to raise our voices for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves.
At Temple Beth-El Las Cruces tomorrow night, April 13, our 7:00 pm service will be based on a liturgy I have used for many years that was originally prepared for an interfaith Holocaust commemoration. While Shabbat is not a time for mourning, it can be a time for remembrance and resolve, and that is what we will do.
I am hoping that such remembrance this year will strengthen our commitment to stand up in ways that will make a difference.