Israeli Memorial Day: Yom HaZikaron

Israeli Memorial Day, Yom Ha’Zikaron, is observed on the 4th of Iyar, the day before Israeli Independence Day, Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Yom Ha’Zikaron commemorates those who lost their lives in the establishment of the Jewish state and those who have died in active duty since then. In Israel, places of entertainment are closed for the day and a siren blast precedes two moments of silence, where traffic stops and attention is given to the solemnity of the day. Outside of Israel, diaspora Jews mark the day with ritual and prayer.

Latest Rituals

A prayer for rain during the Amidah on Shemini Atzeret in memory of those fallen during the Yom Kippur War

A prose poem describing an experience in the Carmel forest in Israel

Blessings for Israel to be used in the Amidah

A havdalah ceremony to transition between Yom Ha’Zikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut

Prayer for peace between Israelis and Palestinians

Prayer for peace in Israel

Poem for Yom Ha’zikaron

A poem moving from mourning to celebration

Prayer for the State of Israel from the Reconstructionist siddur

Praying for peace and protection over the land and people of Israel

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

Get the latest from Ritualwell

Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store.

The Reconstructionist Network