April 2026 - Hatikvah, The Hope

Just when you thought we have a break after the holidays of Purim and Passover, at least until Shavuot (which doesn’t come for another 6 weeks or so), I’m here to remind you of three special days we observe this spring.

First is Yom Hashoah, for commemorating the Holocaust and the 6 million Jews who perished. Next, a week later, is Yom Hazikaron, remembering and honoring the fallen soldiers who died defending Israel and in terror attacks. Finally, the day after Yom Hazikaron, we celebrate Israel’s Independence Day, Yom Ha’atzma’ut. It’s a quick transition between these last two, being only a day away, but we go from mourning to celebrating, as we have much to be grateful for, even in today’s climate.

These special days are particularly significant to those who live in Israel and there are the appropriate observances there for each. We, too, in America note these days, and typically gather to honor, remember, and celebrate. We use this time to learn and experience pieces of our ever-growing history.

This year I have invited Suzannah Warlick to share her research and her one-hour film entitled “Passage to Sweden,” about heroic actions of people who saved Jews in Scandinavia during the Holocaust. This event will take place on Monday, April 20 at 6 PM, which is actually erev Yom Hazikaron.

I saw her presentation and I know you will be fascinated by her story, as I was. We will begin the evening with dinner, then watch her film, and have an opportunity for Q&A with the film’s Director after. We will close the program by singing Hatikvah. Please join us on this important evening.

B’shalom,
Cantor Rena