The “YOMS” are an acronym for a group of three modern holidays that fall within one week on the calendar and that connect us to the historical events that impacted Jewish life in the last century.

In addition, they refer to a series of modern Israeli national holidays and commemoration days held in the spring that ebb and flow from mourning to joy and celebration

“The YOMS” are: Yom HaShoa, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut (and, more recently Yom Yerushalayim)

Although they are not religious holidays, and are therefore not observed by all in the Jewish community, they each have significant meaning and reflect a variety of significant Jewish events in our Jewish history.

It is beyond ironic that this year, these three commemorations take place in the midst of an existential  war with Iran and Hezbollah.

The first yom on the calendar is Yom HaShoa, exemplifying Holocaust Remembrance – a dark period in our history where over 6 million Jews were slaughtered in cold blood at the ruthless hands of the Nazis.

 Yom HaShoa not only commemorates or memorializes the 6 million who perished during the Holocaust, but also signifies a very sad and sober day focused on survival and resilience. It is also compared today to the existential threat which Iran poses and to the manner in which acheinu celebrate survival while fighting a........

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