At sunset on the 26^th July 2023, Jewish people all over the world begin the annual 24 hour fast of ‘Tisha B’Av’ (the ninth day of the Hebrew month of ‘Av’) which this year takes place on the 27^th July.

The fast commemorates the destruction of the First and Second temples in Jerusalem which occurred about 656 years apart, but on the same date. Accordingly, ‘Tisha B’Av’ has been called the "saddest day in Jewish history".

On the evening of the 25^th May, corresponding to the 5th day of the Hebrew month of Sivan, Jewish people all over the world will begin celebrating the festival of ‘Shavuot’.

‘Shavuot’, the Feast of the Weeks, is the Jewish holiday celebrating the harvest season in Israel. ‘Shavuot’, which means ‘weeks’, refers to the timing of the festival which is held exactly 7 weeks after Passover.

Isaiah 62:6-7: “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or nigh. You who make mention of the Lord, keep not silent, and give Him no rest, till He establishes, and till he makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth”

On Sonday 19^th May, corresponding to the 28th day of the Hebrew month of ‘Iyar’, Jews in Israel and all over the world will commemorate ‘Yom Yerushalayim’ (Jerusalem Day) which is a national holiday in Israel. For Israel this is a great and joyous occasion as ‘Yom Yerushalayim’ marks the Israeli liberation of East Jerusalem in 1967 and the subsequent unification of the city of Jerusalem. This year marks the 56^th anniversary of the liberation of East Jerusalem and the ‘Kotel’ (Western Wall).

During the month of April 2023 this year, three very important days are commemorated by Jews both in Israel and throughout the world. The three days are ‘Yom Ha'shoah’, ‘Yom Hazikaron’, and ‘Yom Ha’atzmaut’.

Each of these days is very significant for Jewish people throughout the world. One specific day, however, has worldwide significance – that day is ‘Yom Ha’atzmaut’.