This week the new month of Iyar is upon us. And on the 4th and 5th of Iyar, (today and tomorrow), we celebrate two significant holidays: Yom Hazikaron (Israel's Memorial Day) and Yom Ha'atzme'ut (Israel's Independence Day).

Yom Hazikaron begins Tuesday night, May 10, and continues on May 11, and is immediately followed at sundown by Yom Ha'atzme'ut. Yom Hazikaron is a day spent in reflection; there are many powerful and poignant poems and songs commemorating those who have fallen. In Israel, it is a quiet day. People spend it listening to songs, attending memorial services and being with family and dear ones. At nightfall, Yom Ha'atzme'ut begins, and brings with it fireworks and festivities.

You can listen to Israel's National Anthem, "Hatikvah," (the Hope) HERE. There are so many wonderful songs that reflect the spirit of the people and the country, but we are unable to offer them because of copyright issues. If you want to know about some of the songs for today and tomorrow, search online or please feel free to get in touch with me and I’ll be happy to help you with resources and ideas.

Don’t forget Kabbalat Shabbat this week — we’ll be honoring our high school seniors and we have a great group of musical leaders! I hope to see you there.

- Ilene Safyan

Above photo of Yom Ha'atzme'ut was taken by Noam Chen.