Counting the Omer Day 12 - 1 week, 5 days

Today is Hod she be'Gevurah - a day of compassion in a week of strength.

Today is Yom HaShoah, a day within this time of counting when we make sure to remember the 6 million of our people who were brutally murdered for no reason other than they were Jews. I wrote two Yom HaShoah posts in 2005, you can read them here and here.

In the Sim Shalom siddur, the prayer book of most Conservative synagogues, there is a special prayer for the day inserted in the Amidah, the prayers we traditionally say quietly to ourselves. It is placed within the lead up to the blessing to God, who hears our prayers.

"Adonai, our God, comfort the remnant of Your people Israel, a brand plucked from the fire. For a cruel enemy arose to destroy us -- to murder every Jew, young and old, women and children, saying: 'Come, let us annihilate them, so that the name of Israel might no longer be uttered.' The waters engulfed us; our tormentors fed us bitter poison. Alas, we are undone, for our Source of comfort is yet far off. Recalling these things, I weep. But You will not forget us eternally."

What struck me this morning was the rawness of these words. But it felt extremely appropriate, for to properly remember, we need to feel the rent in our souls.