The Zekelman Holocaust Center’s Yom HaShoah Cemmemoration

April 19    
2:30 pm

We are honored to welcome Rabbi Aaron Starr and Hazzan David Propis of Congregation Shaarey Zedek to lead this year’s Yom HaShoah Commemoration this Sunday, April 19, at 2:30 PM EDT.

Holocaust survivors from our community will be joined by family and friends to light memorial candles. With poems, songs, and prayers, we will remember and honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

Here are a few things to know before attending:

• This program is free to attend and will be offered in-person at The HC and live-streamed online on The HC’s YouTube channel.

• Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to arrive early to secure your spot in our William Davidson Auditorium. There will also be a live stream of the program in our classrooms.

• As always, the safety and well-being of our guests is paramount. In addition to our security screening upon arrival, there will be an increased visible security presence throughout the afternoon, including uniformed officers and our security team.

• Complimentary valet parking will be available. If dropping off attendees, please use the circular drive at our North Entrance.

Following the event, all who wish to light a memorial candle are invited to do so at The HC’s Memorial Wall and Eternal Flame.

Curriculum

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. 

Staff

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.

Family Programs

Throughout the year, we invite families to celebrate with us! Parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome to join us for special Religious School mornings filled with music, food, and community celebration as we observe holidays such as Sukkot, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover as a school community. Families and students are also encouraged to attend our weekly Shabbat services, where we offer youth activities for children of all ages. Participating in Shabbat helps our students connect their learning and apply it in a congregational setting, fostering a deeper connection to our synagogue community.