Yom Hashoah, also known as Holocaust Memorial Day, is observed worldwide to remember the victims of the Holocaust. Its full name, “Yom Hashoah Ve-Hagevurah,” translates to “Day of (Remembrance of) the Holocaust and the Heroism,” and it occurs on the 27th day of the month of Nisan in the Jewish calendar. This date was chosen by the Israeli Knesset in 1951 and formalized in law in 1953. Yom Hashoah is marked by ceremonies, educational programs, and a moment of silence, emphasizing the importance of remembering the tragedy and ensuring such events never occur again. It’s a day of reflection on the profound impact of the Holocaust and the resilience of those who resisted oppression.
MOURNING & LEARNING: North Peninsula Yom HaShoah 2025
Sunday, April 27 | 3:00 – 5:45 PM
Congregation Beth Jacob, Redwood City
Join your North Peninsula Jewish Community for a powerful program commemorating Yom HaShoah. This program will guide attendees through a journey of mourning and learning as we remember the victims of the Holocaust. Through meaningful ceremony, interactive discussions, and insightful educational sessions, we will honor the memory of those who perished and ensure that their stories are never forgotten. Don’t miss this opportunity to come together as a community to mourn, reflect, learn and grow as we pay tribute to all that was lost in the Shoah. Friends of all backgrounds are warmly invited.
PROGRAM INCLUDES:
3:00-3:45 PM
Holocaust Commemoration Service & Candle Lighting
4:00-4:45 PM
Round 1 Learning Sessions (Choose One)
► Farkas Center – Survivor Studio Project Part 1 (Testimony) with Iby Heller and Anne Saldinger
► Exploring Intergenerational Trauma with psychotherapist Mor Gavish, MFT and Rabbi Lisa Kingston
► A Refugee Journey from Germany to SF: Stories from the Holocaust Center Archives with Andrew Roth
► History of Hatred: Antisemitism from the Gospels to the Nuremberg Laws with Rabbi Greg Marcus
► Esh Kodesh: Torah Teachings from the Warsaw Ghetto with Rabbi Laurie Matzkin
5:00-5:45 PM
Round 2 Learning Sessions (Choose One)
► Farkas Center – Survivor Studio Project Part 2 (Guided Artistic Response)
► Exploring Intergenerational Trauma with psychotherapist Mor Gavish, MFT and Rabbi Lisa Kingston
► A Refugee Journey: Stories from the Holocaust Center Archives with Andrew Roth
► History of Hatred: Antisemitism from the Gospels to the Nuremberg Laws with Rabbi Greg Marcus
► Survivor Resilience: Biographical Reflections with Herb Barrasch and Rabbi Moshe Heyn
Photography disclaimer – Unless otherwise specified in writing, I give permission for photos to be taken for future brochures and any other promotional materials, or published anonymously on the PJCC website without compensation.
More Yom HaShoah Experiences:
Virtual Candle Lighting Service & Name Reading
Wednesday, April 23 | 7:30 PM
Online – No pre-registration required
Join for an intimate Zoom service marking the beginning of Yom HaShoah, with a meaningful candle lighting ceremony and the reading of names.
Reflection Spaces Across the Peninsula
Thursday, April 24
Engage in personal and communal reflection throughout the day at our local synagogues and the PJCC.
► 7:30 AM | Peninsula Sinai Congregation Morning Minyan with Yom HaShoah Additions
► 10:00 AM | Congregation Beth Jacob Yom HaShoah v’HaGevurah – Holocaust and Heroism Day
► 11:30 AM | Peninsula Temple Sholom Holocaust Memorial Garden Experience
► All Day | Peninsula Jewish Community Center, Peninsula Temple Beth El, Peninsula Sinai Congregation Interactive Reflection Table with Yahrzeit Candle
Resilience and Hope: Wisdom for Today from Our Holocaust Survivors
Our 2024 North Peninsula Collaboration event, Remembrance of Yom Hashoah and Acts of Courage took place on May 5. Learn more and view the recording here.
