REMINDER: Nafshenu Zoom 7-8pm TONIGHT for Israel Memorial, Independence days:

bit.ly/NafTorah

SILVER LINING on Israel's Independence week

There's a ray of sunlight amid the gloom during Israel's 76th birthday celebration: a Top 5 finish for Israeli singer Eden Golan in the 2024 Eurovision song competition. Despite boycott demands, Israel's entry in the widely followed pop music competition came in fifth place during judging Sunday at the event in Malmo, Sweden. 

We'll open our Nafshenu Zoom this evening (7-8pm) with a video of Eden Golan. The Zoom marks Israel's twin holidays -- Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom Ha'atzmaut (Independence Day).

Here's a link to the video: bit.ly/NafEurovision.

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LINK FOR NAFSHENU OBSERVANCE on MONDAY, MAY 13, 7-8pm: bit.ly/NafTorah

From Rabbi David Goodman

     Israelis observe back-to-back holidays this week honoring their war dead and celebrating the nation's birthday. 

     Israeli Memorial Day, Yom Hazikaron, falls on Monday. It honors the memory of the 30,000 soldiers and civilians who have died in fighting in Israel and the pre-state Jewish community.

     Israeli Independence day, Yom Ha'atzmaut, follows Tuesday, celebrating the nation's creation 76 years ago.

     This year, the sorrow of the remembrance is sharper and the joy at the national birthday muted because of the October 7 attacks and the war with Hamas that followed. I will offer some teachings about the holiday and the situation in Israel. I will also lead our Nafshenu community in some songs and prayers, including the memorial prayer, El Malei Rachamim, and others for the wellbeing of our Israeli siblings.

     Please call, text or email me with any questions, or just to say "Hi." 248-508-0874, rebdovid@nafshenu.org