Jewish communities throughout the Bay Area will soon observe Yom HaShoah, commemorating victims and survivors of the Holocaust, and Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day), commemorating lives lost in Israel to war and terrorism. Yom HaShoah begins at sundown on April 23, and Yom HaZikaron begins at sundown on April 29. These will be somber events but also opportunities to bring people together to pay respects with song, prayer, testimony and a commitment to never forget.
Wednesday, April 23
Holocaust Remembrance in Los Gatos — “Hitkansut: A South Bay Ritual Gathering for Yom HaShoah V’Hagevurah” will use literature, testimonies, prayer, music and silence for commemoration. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 7 p.m. Free.
South Peninsula Holocaust remembrance — Yom HaShoah V’Hagevurah service with local clergy, students and musicians telling stories of survival and singing to honor those lost and those who survived. At Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills. 7-8:15 p.m. Free. Livestream option. Co-sponsored by Oshman Family JCC.
San Francisco Holocaust remembrance — Full day of programming at JCC San Francisco, co-presented by the JFCS Holocaust Center. Includes “Songs of Truth: A Live Music and Storytelling Event” with the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (10:30-11:30 a.m.); reading of names (5-5:45 p.m.); and commemoration featuring keynotes by California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and JFCS executive director Anita Friedman (6-7:15 p.m.). At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free.
Thursday, April 24
“The Power of Ordinary People” — Yom HaShoah program at the Mobile Museum of Tolerance featuring a short film and guided discussion, in which participants will consider the choices made by bystanders, perpetrators and resisters during the Holocaust. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 5–5:50 p.m. Free.
Berkeley Holocaust Remembrance Day — “Remembrance, Resistance and Resilience” is the 22nd annual commemoration by the city of Berkeley, committed to never forgetting the Holocaust and working actively to combat antisemitism, anti-Muslim racism, bigotry and hatred. With candlelighting and stories from two Holocaust survivors, Eva Lukacs from Budapest and Helen Fixler from Mylniv, Poland. Music by Asaf Ophir and Josh Horowitz. Online. 2 p.m. Free, registration required.
Sunday, April 27
“Remember One, Remember All” — Sonoma County’s annual Yom HaShoah commemoration, keeping the promise to honor and pass forward Jewish values from generation to generation. With candlelighting ceremony, music, poetry, prayer and spoken word. At Congregation Shomrei Torah, 2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Zoom option. 3 p.m. Free, registration required by April 24.
North Peninsula Yom HaShoah — Holocaust remembrance with ceremony, interactive discussions, survivor testimony and multiple educational sessions. Organized by the North Peninsula Jewish Collaboration and presented by PJCC. At Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City. 3-5:45 p.m. Free, registration required.
Tuesday, April 29
Yom HaZikaron in S.F. — Observance of Israel’s Memorial Day, includes a memorial wall, singing in memory of the fallen and a remembrance ceremony in English and Hebrew with subtitles. Presented by multiple community organizations and synagogues. In San Francisco, location given with registration (register by April 23). 6:30-8 p.m. Free.
Yom HaZikaron on Peninsula — Memorial Day ceremony for Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Songs, readings, remarks from community and teen leaders. For ages 12 and older. At Freidenrich Community Park, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 8 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, April 30
Yom HaZikaron in Los Gatos — Honoring and remembering the lives lost in wars defending Israel. With videos, a ceremony, readings, songs and dance. Havdalah concludes the event, marking the transition from mourning to celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut. In Addison-Penzak JCC auditorium, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. Co-hosted by Jewish Silicon Valley and Congregation Shir Hadash. 4:30-6 p.m. $10-$18.