Yom Hashoah

Shalom and shavua tov on this motzei Shabbos!
Last week on April 12th, to remember the survivors and to reteach those who hadn't experienced the Holocaust, I had a very special guest, my grandmother on the show. She was the first guest on Emes V'Emunah thus far! To her I say yashar koach. She spoke of her experiences of what occurred during what is considered by some to be the most violent period of human history. Among the listeners, tears would abound and critical questions would be posed to my grandmother, who answered them to the best of her ability, and with an open heart. This was the first time she had come in contact with a computer, much less the intricacies of the virtual studio where the show is broadcasted weekly. She loved the experience and thanked everyone who had the chance to listen to her strong words. Robert and Scott also gave a brief history of their family's experiences during the period of the Holocaust. The episode had developed such a quick reputation that shortly after she was asked to speak on Rabbi Tovia Singer's show, also aired on the Virtual Yeshiva, which was to commemorate the survivors and victims of the Holocaust. The rabbi's show can be heard on Israel National Radio's archive page, and my show can be heard here: http://www.importantaudio.org/Emesvemunah/April%2012%20show.htm
A big thanks goes out to Eddy of California for including my show on his awesome website, the product of much invested time (and money), Important Audio.

The following week was in commemoration of Yom Hazikaron, Israel's version of Memorial Day. The show quickly took on a defensive tone, as Mamamitzvah and another guest argued fervently about the controversial obligation to make aliyah (immigration/ascent) to Eretz Yisroel. Although a sure conclusion was not reached between the two, they both send their sincere apologies to the listeners for perhaps being more abrasive than was necessary. In the future we will all make an effort to listen to the other side thoroughly and consider all rabbinic opinions.

This week's episode will surely be exciting and endorsed with plenty of a cappella music for the sefirah mourner's pleasure. Hope to see you all in Noah Chat!

-Josh