248-357-5544 | csz.info@shaareyzedek.org
248-357-5544 | csz.info@shaareyzedek.org
The Shoah Yellow Candle program is a meaningful way to remember the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Each year, as part of our community observance of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), we distribute yellow candles that symbolize the lives lost.
Each candle comes with the name and biography of a Holocaust victim, inviting us to honor their memory and reflect on the impact of this tragedy. By lighting the Yellow Candle, we participate in a global tradition of remembrance and ensure that the stories of the victims are never forgotten.
The Shoah Yellow Candle program offers multiple opportunities for remembrance of the Holocaust, allowing individuals and communities to light a yellow candle in honor of those lost. While traditionally lit on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), there are alternative dates to observe, including Kristallnacht, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yahrzeit, Shavuot, Yom Kippur, and Tisha B’Av.
Each of these dates serves as a reminder of the Holocaust and the importance of remembering the lives lost, especially those who may not have family left to mourn them. The Yellow Candle represents a timeless symbol of remembrance, promoting awareness of the atrocities of the Holocaust and encouraging continued education to prevent such horrors from occurring again. It is recommended to consult with your Rabbi for guidance on the most appropriate date for your observance.
Prepare the Candle: Place the Shoah Yellow Candle in a safe location where it can be lit without risk of fire. If you’re lighting it in a communal setting, ensure it is securely placed on a stable surface.
Time to Light: The candle should be lit at sundown on the designated date (Yom HaShoah, Kristallnacht, etc.). If you’re lighting it on a specific day, like Yom Kippur or Shavuot, you may want to light it during a moment of reflection before the Yizkor service or at the start of the evening.
Lighting the Candle: Light the Shoah Yellow Candle with a match or lighter. As you do so, pause to reflect on the significance of the candle, which represents the lives of six million Jews lost during the Holocaust.
Keep the Candle Burning: Allow the candle to burn for several hours or, if appropriate, for the entire night to honor those who perished. If lighting it at home, keep the candle safely lit in a place where it will not be disturbed.
While there are no halachic requirements for a brucha or prayer of any kind, many like to take a minute to meditate on the lives lost in the holocaust. Here are a few common meditations that you can use to get you started.
Reflection on the Six Million: “As I light this candle, I remember the lives of six million Jews whose lives were taken from them during the Holocaust. This light represents their memory, their families, and their legacies. May their souls rest in peace, and may we continue to tell their stories so that they are never forgotten.”
For Future Generations: “This candle reminds us not only of the atrocities of the past but of the responsibility we carry today. May this light shine as a beacon of remembrance, and may we continue to educate, fight hatred, and work toward a world where such horrors never repeat.”
For Individual Remembrance: “Today, I remember [Name of the individual or child], whose life was taken by the Holocaust. May their memory be a blessing. I light this candle in their honor, and I pray for all those whose names we do not know, whose stories we have yet to hear. May they be remembered, and may their souls find peace.”
Our curriculum is written for our school by our Rabbis and Director of Youth and Family Learning. Each grade level has specific goals and learning targets that encompass the following areas:
Learning and practicing Jewish rituals, holidays, and ethical actions, emphasizing how these observances connect individuals to Jewish tradition and community.
Fostering a connection to Israel by exploring its geography, history, and significance as the Jewish homeland.
Centering on learning and understanding Torah stories, characters, and teachings, and applying their lessons to daily life.
Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim), and fulfilling obligations like Tzedakah (charity).
Exploring the meaning and practice of prayer, teaching students how to communicate with God and understand the significance of different prayers.
Focusing on learning the Hebrew alphabet, vocabulary, and basic reading skills to engage with Jewish texts and prayers.
Each grade level explores these themes through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including the Chai Curriculum.
We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professional Jewish educators. Our teachers receive weekly planning time, during which they use our curriculum and learning goals to craft engaging lesson plans. They benefit from regular coaching and feedback from our Director of Youth and Family Learning and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our educators are passionate about their students and committed to their growth and success.