All about Yom HaShoah

Yom HaShoah is a special day in Judaism when we remember and honor the millions of Jewish people who lost their lives during the Holocaust, a very sad and dark time in history.

On this day, which is also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, we take time to reflect on the suffering and bravery of those who endured unimaginable hardships during World War II. We light candles, say prayers, and listen to stories about the survivors and the heroes who helped them.

Yom HaShoah serves as a reminder to never forget the past and to work towards a world where everyone is treated with kindness and respect. It is a day to show empathy and compassion towards others, and to stand up against discrimination and hatred.

By learning about Yom HaShoah, we can understand the importance of remembering our history, honoring those who suffered, and working towards a better future for all people. It is a day of reflection, remembrance, and hope for a more peaceful world.

  1. Why is Yom HaShoah considered a special day in Judaism?
  2. What do we do on Yom HaShoah to honor the survivors and heroes of the Holocaust?
  3. What is the significance of Yom HaShoah in terms of remembering history and working towards a better future?
  4. How can you show empathy and compassion towards others, inspired by the lessons of Yom HaShoah?
  5. Why is it important to stand up against discrimination and hatred, as emphasized on Yom HaShoah?

Symbols and Traditions

Yom HaShoah is a special day in Judaism when people remember and honor the victims of the Holocaust, a tragic event during World War II when many Jewish people were killed by the Nazis. On this day, Jewish communities around the world come together to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and to make sure that their stories are never forgotten.

One important symbol of Yom HaShoah is the yellow candle. Lighting a yellow candle helps us remember the six million Jewish people who died in the Holocaust. Another symbol is the wearing of a blue and white striped ribbon, which represents the uniform that prisoners in the concentration camps had to wear.

Traditions on Yom HaShoah include reading names of some of the people who perished, listening to stories from survivors, and saying special prayers to honor the memory of those who were lost. It is also a time for reflecting on the importance of standing up against hatred and discrimination.

Yom HaShoah teaches us about the importance of remembering history, being kind to others, and working together to create a better world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

  1. What is the significance of the yellow candle in Yom HaShoah?
  2. Explain the symbolism behind the blue and white striped ribbon worn on Yom HaShoah.
  3. Describe some of the traditions observed on Yom HaShoah.
  4. Why is it important to remember the victims of the Holocaust on Yom HaShoah?
  5. How can the lessons of Yom HaShoah be applied to promoting a more respectful and inclusive society?

My Family and Yom HaShoah

Hi, my name is David and I am 8 years old. Today, I want to share with you about how my family celebrates Yom HaShoah, a special day in Judaism when we remember and honor the victims of the Holocaust. Yom HaShoah is a day when Jewish communities around the world come together to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during World War II.

  1. One important symbol of Yom HaShoah is the yellow candle. Lighting a yellow candle helps us remember the six million Jewish people who died in the Holocaust.
  2. Another symbol is the wearing of a blue and white striped ribbon, which represents the uniform that prisoners in the concentration camps had to wear.
  3. Traditions on Yom HaShoah include reading names of some of the people who perished, listening to stories from survivors, and saying special prayers to honor the memory of those who were lost.
  4. It is also a time for reflecting on the importance of standing up against hatred and discrimination.
  5. Yom HaShoah teaches us about the importance of remembering history, being kind to others, and working together to create a better world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
  1. Why is lighting a yellow candle a significant part of Yom HaShoah?
  2. How does wearing a blue and white striped ribbon connect to the Holocaust?
  3. What are some traditions observed on Yom HaShoah?
  4. Why is it important to reflect on standing up against hatred and discrimination during Yom HaShoah?
  5. What lessons can we learn from Yom HaShoah about creating a better world?

Comparing Yom HaShoah to another Festival

After learning all about Yom HaShoah, is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Yom HaShoahand think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.

Slideshow - Yom HaShoah
A full set of teaching plans for Yom HaShoahteaching.