Remembering the Shoah One Name At A Time

Everyday new studies are being initiated and conducted to determine the effects of the use of technology on our memories. Think about it, at one point in the not too distant past, people had to memorize historical dates, the Preamble of the Constitution, how to spell words correctly, and yes, other people’s phone numbers (as well as their own). Today such information is literally only a click or voice command away. Even the passwords we use to “protect” our information can be stored and saved in case we forget them.  I am not suggesting that we can or should turn back the clock or that we as a society would even want to. We are indeed privileged to live at this exciting time, and have a world of information accessible earlier generations would be envious of.

Yet, there is still an important place for first hand use of human memory. Making memories entails taking the information around us and internalizing it in a way that not only creates neuro-pathways in our brain but literally becomes part of who we are. This is more than doing a Google search or posting on Facebook. In fact research₁ shows that posts, tweets, and texts engage only short term memory, they are quick, in the moment, snapshots that don’t last long because they are followed by more posts, tweets, and texts. Arguably, this is indeed the purpose of this type of media communication but, as far as the faculty of memory is concerned this does not translate to creating long-term memories that change, enhance, and enrich us.

As Jews living after the horror of the Shoah (The Holocaust) we have often been taught, “Never Forget!” But, how do we do that? Especially in our world today?! Unlike so many of the other holidays and commemorations in the Jewish life-cycle and calendar, Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) does not have a universally accepted ritual, sacred text, or even communal service of some type (let alone special foods or lack thereof). I believe that it is through these rituals that we as Jews, have been not only able to maintain our traditions but as important been able to create memories that literally transform and touch our souls. They bring meaning to our lives by connecting us through the generations, informing our relationships, our values, and our moral perspective.  Which brings us back to the challenge of Yom HaShoah. With very few survivors left, how can we ensure that their stories and those of the millions of Jews who perished will not be forgotten?

One way my synagogue has found to create powerful memories is by holding a Yom HaShoah vigil in which we read the names of those who perished in the Shoah. People sign-up to read names and to come and listen throughout the day beginning after morning services and continuing for twelve hours stopping only for mincha/ma’ariv where we recite the Mourner’s Kaddish in remembrance. From families that come to read together, to our teens and older members - we read their names - we hear their names, and in doing so I feel we not only keep their memory alive but make our own powerful memories. The sacred duty to never forget becomes not only a surreal number to remember but, real mothers, fathers, and children. The Nazis counted numbers but we remember names.

We have always believed that names carry memory. As Jews we remember loved ones by naming our children after them. We still use the ancient names from our Torah - Adam, Seth, Jacob, Rachel, Sarah…It is no coincidence then that our people’s Hebrew name - Yisrael, links God’s name with ours. By remembering the names of our brothers and sisters who perished in the Shoah we link their names and lives with our own. And in that way may all of their names be for a blessing - one we never need a password to remember.

1 How Technology Is Warping Your Memory The Huffington Post  |  By Carolyn Gregoire