CALENDAR COINCIDENCES — by Rabbi Baruch Cohon
This leap year on the Jewish calendar produces some rare coincidences. Tomorrow, for example, as we observe Yom haShoah – Holocaust Memorial Day – our Mexican neighbors will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo. A dramatic contrast if there ever was one.
Looking ahead to August, the 14th of that month lives strongly in our memories – mine particularly – as Victory day in World War II, the day Japan surrendered. This year it coincides with the Fast of Av, actually the 10th of the month of Av, with the fast postponed from the 9th, Tish’a b’Av, since the 9th falls on Shabos. The 9th of Av is the day that both the First and Second Temples were destroyed. So we’ll recall two ancient defeats and one modern victory on the same day. Another contrast.
But just wait till December. And look out for the celebrating public! The first day of Hanukkah falls on Christmas, December 25th, and the last day of Hanukkah falls on New Years Day, January 1st, 2017. L’khayim!
