Remember - and Live
To Forget Means to Die – to Remember, to Live
“Forgetfulness leads to exile,
while remembrance is the secret of redemption.”
(Baal Shem Tov – founder of Chassidism.)
Israel has two memorial days – Yom haShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Yom Hazikaron – Remembrance Day for the Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror. A week apart, the commemorations are held after the Pesach holiday. Usually, they fall in May. According to the Jewish calendar the new day starts at sunset, thus memorial services begin in the evening. The next day, Israeli schoolchildren participate in special programs and dignitaries participate in special memorial services and candle lightning ceremonies.
When the two-minute siren is heard at 11 a.m. people stand
at attention, either at home or when out on the streets. Traffic comes to a
standstill and many people stand with bowed heads next to their cars. Then, at
sunset on the evening of this Memorial Day, the sadness is replaced by joy – Independence
Day celebrations begin.
Webster’s Dictionary describes it as “something that is kept alive in the memory, so that it can be called to conscious thought without effort.”
It is an active verb.
The Hebrew Zechor, or Zikaron, means remembrance, memorial.
- God said of His covenant name (YHWH = LORD) “this is my memorial unto all generations. (Exodus 3:15; Psalm 30:4; 135:13).
- God’s people were commanded to “remember Amalek.” (Exodus 17:14).
- The bronze layer covering the altar (Numbers 16:40) and stones near the Jordan River (Joshua 4:7; 20-24) served as perpetual memorials to the sons of Israel.
- Two “memorial stones” inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes were part of the priest’s ephod.
- Before the Israelites went into battle, the people sacrificed sheep and trumpets were blown. “May they be a memorial before your God.” (Numbers 10:9,10)
God commands His people to:
- “Remember this day when you came out of Egypt.” (Exodus 13:3)
- “Remember the Sabbath day.” (Exodus 20:8)
- Above all, “to remember His marvelous works.” (Psalm 105:5; 1 Chronicles 16:15).
The Greek word anamimnesko is used in an active voice, and means to remind, call to ones mind. “Anamnesis” is remembrance. The word is still used today by doctors when referring to the patient’s medical history. When you suffer from “Amnesia”, you are forgetful, and have difficulty remembering.
Remembrance is an integral part of the lives of the Jewish people.
Memorial lights are lit in memory of deceased relatives. This practice is based on Proverbs 20:27, “The soul of man is a lamp for the LORD.” Originating from medieval Germany, the practice spread to other communities. Because memorial lights must burn 24 hours, special candles are used in metal or glass holders.
Memorial services and their special prayers (Hazkarah)
memorialize the dead and express the hope their souls may be granted eternal
repose. We read about this ancient practice in 2 Maccabees 12:43. Judah Maccabee tells the people “… to pray for the dead and make atonement for them,
so that they might be cleared of their sin.” In Talmudic times these
“hazkaroth” had become accepted customs.
Deuteronomy 4:9 says,
“…don’t forget the things your eyes
have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to
your children and to their children after them.” (NIV)
ROSEMARY AND REMEMBRANCE
family, the evergreen shrubs have a pungent aromatic fragrance. The ancient people already knew about its reputation for strengthening the memory. Modern day scientists have proven that Rosemary’s scent is an effective memory stimulant.
Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:8, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.”
Yeshua, our Savior, rose from the dead. He is the Source and supplier of all our needs.
Christians should never forget God’s goodness towards His people.
Not only the Jewish people, but Christians too, should:
Remember! And live!
May we never forget God’s goodness
towards His people
and to us.
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