Below is a collection of Yom HaZikaron lesson plans, interactive tools, and articles created by The Lookstein Center staff or contributed to the site by Jewish educators.
Yom HaZikaron Overview
- What: Yom HaZikaron L’Chalalei Me’archot Yisrael, יום הזיכרון לחללי מערכות ישראל, is the official remembrance day for fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror.
- When: Yom HaZikaron is on the 4th of Iyyar, intentionally set as the day preceding Yom HaAtzmaut—Israeli Independence Day—in order to remind us of the sacrifices made for the independent State of Israel.
- Where: Yom HaZikaron is an Israeli national holiday but is recognized by Jews around the world.
- How: Yom HaZikaron opens with a minute-long siren at 8:00 PM. There are remembrance ceremonies throughout Israel that take place in the evening in addition to ceremonies throughout the following day. The country’s main nighttime ceremony takes place at the Western Wall and the main day time memorial service occurs on Mount Herzl (the official military cemetery). At 11:00 AM, there is another 2 minute-long siren that is sounded. All places of entertainment are closed and television channels recite the names of every fallen soldier. The day ends with a Tekes Ma’avar (transitional ceremony) into Yom HaAtzmaut that takes place on Mount Herzl.
Yom Hazikaron Vocabulary
|
English Transliteration
|
Translation |
Hebrew |
| Chaleli Tzahal |
Israeli fallen soldiers |
חַלְלֵי צַהַ”ל |
| Nifga’ay Peulot Aivah/Terror |
Victims of terror |
נִפְגְּעֵי פְּעֻלּוֹת אֵיבָה/טֵרוֹר |
| Tekes Ma’avar |
The ceremony that takes place as a transition between Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut. Israel’s official ceremony takes place on Mount Herzl, where they remember the fallen and also rejoice in the present by celebrating outstanding individuals in the State of Israel and performing songs and dances. |
טֶקֶס מַעֲבָר |
| Mount Herzl (Har Herzl) |
The official military cemetery and the burial place of Israel’s leaders, (including Theodor Herzl, the visionary of the State of Israel). |
הַר הֵרְצְל |
| Tzfirah |
The siren that is played throughout Israel twice over the course of Yom HaZikaron, once at 8:00 PM (for one minute) and once at 11:00 AM (for two minutes) the following morning. The whole country stands in a moment of silence to remember the fallen. |
צְפִירָה |
Yom Hazikaron Educational Themes
- National identity
- The sacrifice of the individual for the nation
- Remembering the fallen
- National memory versus individual memory (personal loss versus national loss)
Yom HaZikaron Ideas for Commemoration
- Read thematic poetry, such as the ones found here.
- Research an individual fallen soldier.
- Discuss family connections to the IDF.
- Light memorial candles and recite traditional memorial prayers.
- Have a traditional commemorative ceremony, such as described here.
- Contact a speaker to come to your classroom.
LESSON PLANS, RESOURCES AND WEBSITES
Lessons of Courage from October 7, 2023 – This lesson plan from The Lookstein Center for upper elementary and middle school students explores the quality of courage through Jewish texts as well as the real-life examples of courage highlighted by some of the heroes of October 7, 2023.
Zakhor, Remembering the Fallen Heroes of October 7th – In this lesson plan from The Lookstein Center, students explore the importance of memory in the Jewish tradition, learn about individuals who were killed on October 7, and consider how they can incorporate the lessons learned from these heroes into their own lives.
Israel-Hamas War Updates – These resources from the IDF include profiles of fallen soldiers from the current war, updates from the frontlines, and more.
Remembering Together – A new initiative from Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the World Zionist Organization, and the Ruderman Family Foundation with content for Yom HaZikaron after October 7.
Izkor – This is the official website of the Israeli government for remembering the fallen.
The Face. The Day. A Memorial – This artistic initiative from Beit Avi Chai transforms memories from the lives of fallen IDF soldiers into animated films.
The Lone Soldier Center – This website has many resources for supporting lone soldiers currently serving in the IDF and commemorations for fallen soldiers.
The Israel Forever Foundation – These Yom HaZikaron resources include articles, activities, and more.
VIDEOS AND SONGS
Yom HaZikaron: Heroes of October 7 – This short film from Unpacked for Educators tells the story of two brave Israelis killed on October 7, 2023.
Yom HaZikaron Siren – This clip shows Jerusalem stopping for a moment of silence to pay their respects to fallen soldiers during the Yom HaZikaron silence.
Remembering Israel’s Fallen – This video from Olami explores the themes and importance of national memory.
A Tribute to Michael Levin – This video from the IDF pays tribute to fallen lone soldier Michael Levin.
Playlist for Yom Hazikaron – This video playlist includes Hebrew songs relating to Yom HaZikaron.
Do you have anything to contribute to this list? Contact content@lookstein.org