Counting the Omer is a mitzvah (commandment) observed during the 49 days between Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot. According to the Torah (Leviticus 23:15-16), Jews are instructed to count the days from the second night of Pesach until the day before Shavuot, marking the period between the offering of the Omer (a barley sheaf) at the Temple in Jerusalem and the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. In Orthodox Jewish practice, this counting is done nightly, with a special blessing recited before counting the day and week. The Omer period is a time of spiritual preparation, self-refinement, and anticipation of receiving the Torah. According to the Talmud (Menachot 65a), each day of counting is significant, as it represents a step in the process of spiritual growth and elevation.
Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, is a solemn and deeply emotional day dedicated to honoring the memory of Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Observed annually on the 4th of Iyar, it reflects the nation's profound gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for the safety, security, and independence of the State of Israel. In Israel, the day begins with a nationwide siren, during which all activity halts as people stand in silent tribute. Memorial ceremonies take place at military cemeteries, schools, and public institutions, often including prayers, the recitation of names, candle lighting, and personal reflections from bereaved families. Radio and television broadcast stories, songs, and tributes that emphasize remembrance and national unity.
In Jewish communities around the world, especially in the Diaspora, Yom HaZikaron is marked with community gatherings, educational programs, candle lighting ceremonies, and moments of silence. Many synagogues and schools hold memorial services, invite Israeli speakers or soldiers to share their experiences, and create opportunities for people to learn about the lives of the fallen. These observances help strengthen the bond between global Jewry and the State of Israel, emphasizing shared memory and collective responsibility.
Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, is celebrated on the 5th of Iyar and commemorates the historic moment in 1948 when David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel. Coming immediately after Yom HaZikaron, the transition from mourning to celebration is deeply symbolic, reflecting the cost of independence and the resilience of the Jewish people. In Israel, Yom HaAtzmaut is a vibrant national holiday marked by a wide range of festivities. The official state ceremony takes place on Mount Herzl, featuring the lighting of twelve torches representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Across the country, families gather for festive meals and barbecues, city centers come alive with music, dancing, and fireworks, and the Israeli Air Force puts on spectacular aerial shows. Soldiers and civilians alike celebrate with a strong sense of unity and national pride.
In Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora, Yom HaAtzmaut is also a time of celebration and connection to Israel. Synagogues, schools, JCCs, and community organizations host events such as Israeli film screenings, concerts, educational programs, and solidarity marches. Many communities incorporate Israeli food, music, and cultural activities to bring the spirit of Israel to life abroad. For Jews around the world, Yom HaAtzmaut is more than a celebration of statehood—it is a reaffirmation of the enduring bond between the Jewish people and the land of Israel, a moment of joy, gratitude, and pride in the accomplishments of the modern Jewish state.