Yitzhak Rabin (1922-1995)

12 Heshvan 5757
25 October, 1996

	Consider This: Should Israel and the Jewish People do something to mark the anniversary of Yitzhak Rabin's assassination, and if so, what? Can so polarized a nation find a common denominator, and is it necessary or desirable? Does moral or religious ideology necessarily breed an atmosphere of intolerance? Has Rabin's assassination opened a Pandora's box? Where should the lines be drawn limiting freedom of speech and the media? How has the loss of Yitzhak Rabin affected the Middle East peace process?

It is now one full year since the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin z"l [of blessed memory].

In Jewish tradition, the completion of a cycle of mourning is marked by a special day of memorial on the Hebrew calendar date of death. Customs vary: The "Azkarah" [Hebrew: memorial] or "yahrzeit" [Yiddish: time of year] takes different expressions in different communities, with the Kaddish [memorial prayer], memorial candle, Psalm reading and gathering at the grave being central features in all.

The best way for us to consider the traumatic events of one year ago (see our files "Background and Activities", see also: "On Tolerance" from the Youth and Hechalutz Department) is by pausing simply to think, to remember, and hopefully to learn. An additional Jewish custom relating to a "yahrzeit" is to study in the name of the deceased. Above are a few ideas that could be particulary relevant for study, discussion, and reflection on this day.

We welcome your comments on these questions.