Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on April 29, 2022

GERMAINE

By RABBI JOSEF GERMAINE

The 27th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, same month as Passover, has been established by the Government of Israel as the day to remember the Holocaust. This year it comes on, coincidentally, April 28. It generally includes all regardless of faith, religion or national orientation. The Holocaust affected not only the Jewish people, but also many others who were persecuted by the Nazis. What is really important about this event is it reminds us and everyone throughout the world of the heinous atrocities and shameful period in the history of "human civilization."

Yes, recorded history is there to remind us of what "man" is capable of committing. As people, we need to make certain it never happens again. Our primary mission is to be vigilant about the slightest seed planted in people's minds that could germinate a cancer capable of infecting otherwise innocent minds. But, unfortunately, as previously stated, we fail to learn from history. What is happening today on a continent that suffered the ravages of war of previous generations is now another genocide, another Holocaust.

News reaches us, with undisputed evidence of random killing, faster than previous generations. There are members of society who deny the Holocaust of the Nazi era; I wonder if these same people can deny the genocide of innocent men, women and children in the Ukraine - Russian conflict. Is it truly a conflict, or more accurately "terrorism" in the extreme.

It is extremely difficult to think that modern civilization is still living in the dark ages. Nothing has really changed, except having more efficient means to eradicate greater numbers in record time. We should be thankful living in a country where no individual can rule for an indefinite period of time. And yet, even here, wrong decisions can create irreparable damage. Total disarmament may be a solution, but are we all capable of ultimate trust? In the final analysis, all governments must be held accountable to international courts, and those who refuse to submit to international law must be severed from the international community.

Unfortunately, it is political leadership that creates havoc. The average person in every country seeks peace and security. Change has to come from within. Let us pray that populations throughout the world can have the power and the will to control their governments.

Temple Sinai Jewish History Center invites you to light a candle on Thursday, April 28, 2022, between 1 and 4 p.m. in memory of these victims.

Rabbi Josef Germaine is a professional lyric tenor who has been a concert recitalist, cantor, vocal coach and rabbi. He received his bachelor's in music and masters degree in Hebrew education. He lives in Sumter and is a member of Temple Sinai. Reach him at tenore39@aol.com.

Read the original here:

Sumter Rabbi Josef Germaine: Yom HaShoah - Day of remembrance of the Holocaust - The Sumter Item

Category: Hebrew
Tags: