Remember. Reflect. Rebuild.
Each year, the Merage Jewish Community Center marks the three national holidays of Israel: Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut with a series of programs called Reflections. This month-long series of programs, traces the journey from the darkest days of Jewish history, the Holocaust, to the pinnacle of Jewish peoplehood, the miracle of the State of Israel. Reflections includes programs for all ages and offers multiple opportunities for the entire Orange County community to reflect on our heritage, engage in Jewish learning, experience Jewish culture, and feel connected to Israel.
This year, with the with the ongoing generosity of Dana & Yossie Hollander and Doris & Martin Melnick, the J is happy to offer both meaningful and exciting programs to honor these special days.
Yom Hashoah is Israel’s Holocaust Memorial Day and will be observed on Sunday, May 5 at 4 p.m. with a community-wide commemoration and candle-lighting ceremony to remember the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust and to pay tribute to the survivors. Following the ceremony, there will be a performance of the play Survivors, an hour-long educational and inspiring drama that enacts the history of the Holocaust through the eyewitness testimony of ten survivors.
Yom Hazikaron is the national Memorial Day for the thousands who have lost their lives in defense of the State of Israel and victims of terrorism. It will be observed on Sunday, May 12 with a memorial ceremony led by Shevet Tapuz (Israeli Scouts) at 5 p.m. and then again at 7 p.m. Given the ongoing conflict in Israel, we anticipate a high level of interest and attendance. Please register in advance to secure your spot.
Yom Ha’atzmaut is Israel’s Independence Day and is formally observed this year on Tuesday, May 14. The JCC in collaboration with IAC and many community organizations, congregations and schools are excited to present Celebrate Israel on Sunday, May 19 at 12 p.m. Celebrate Israel will be a community-wide outdoor celebration of Israel’s 76th birthday that will take place at the TVT lower school field. It will feature Israeli food, games, musical and dance performances and fun for all ages, culminating with Israeli musical icon David Broza in concert at 3 p.m.
On display In the Slutzky Family Art Gallery from May 5 – June 7, will be Israeli photojournalist Erez Kaganovitz’s photo exhibit the Humans of October 7th. The exhibition is an ongoing project that showcases and brings to light the human stories of the unique Israelis who stood up against evil. It captures the incredible spirit and resilience of the Israeli people. Highlighting the human side and elements of Israel Kaganovitz says, provides a reminder of what Israeli society is about and can combat antisemitism.
The Soldiers in Uniform community event will take place on Thursday, May 16 at 6:45 p.m. Hear personal stories from IDF soldiers who served in Gaza.
For more information about Reflections please visit: jccoc.org.
Aliza Sable is the Cultural Arts Director at the Merage JCC and is a contributing writer to Jlife magazine.