MILWAUKEE – Every year, Milwaukee Jewish Federation and other organizations mark Yamim – three key occasions – with a series of local events.
The three Yamim occasions are Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day; Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Day of Remembrance; and Yom HaAtzmaut, or Israeli Independence Day, with its well-attended Walk for Israel. Much for these occasions has already been planned.
This year, with the deluge of coronavirus cancelations and safer-at-home orders, it’s not yet clear on the specific virtual offerings for Yamim. The Yamim events start April 19, 2020. Check JewishChronicle.org for updates or visit MilwaukeeJewish.org/ Yamim.
This is what was planned.
Yom HaShoah, or the Holocaust Remembrance Day event, was set for April 19, 3 p.m., at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, Whitefish Bay.
Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Day of Remembrance, was scheduled for April 27, 6 p.m. at the JCC.
This year’s theme was planned to be “Women on the Front Line.” In Israel, women can serve in any capacity, including as combat soldiers, said Uria Roth, the Milwaukee community shaliach or emissary from Israel. Roth is a key part of the planning for Yamim.
The event was planned to honor women who sacrificed their lives in the Israel Defense Forces.
Israeli musician Shai Tsabari was planned to put on a concert April 28, 7 p.m., at the Miramar Theatre.
“Usually Shai takes verses from the Talmud and the Torah and turns them into rock songs,” Roth said. Tsabari is part of a trend in Israeli music, a return to tradition in Jewish music for Israelis who are not religious.
Roth liked that Tsabari was scheduled for a concert on the night of Israel’s actual day of remembrance, the Israeli Independence Day, when Israel’s cities all feature free music stages. “We go out and we hear music. That’s how we celebrate the night of Yom HaAtzmaut in Israel,” Roth said.
Israeli Independence Day was to be marked in downtown Milwaukee with an opening ceremony, Walk for Israel and family celebration on May 3.
The walk was planned to mimic the famous Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra’el), a hiking path that runs throughout the Jewish state. The walk was to stop at different spots along the way that would correspond to regions of Israel.
This year also celebrates the first 20 years of the 21st century, including new heights in sports, music, TV, science, agriculture and more. “We are celebrating the achievements of Israel.” said Roth.
Again, virtual plans could replace physical plans in some or all instances. Check the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle on Facebook, Twitter or at JewishChronicle.org for updates.