For the Jewish people, remembrance is an integral part of
their lives.
Zechor! Remember!
The active verb is described by Webster as “something that is kept
alive in the memory, so that it can be called to conscious thought without
effort.”
Recalling/recollecting implies some effort or will to bring something
back to mind. To reminisce is to remember, to tell others of past events or
about your personal experiences.
Zachar (zechor) is the Hebrew word for remember, think of, mention.
- Genesis 8:1 says that “God remembered Noah.”
- The LORD tells Noah in Genesis 9:15, “I will remember my covenant”, and gave us the rainbow to remind us of His promise to mankind.
- God acts in remembrance of His covenant promises. He remembered Abraham, His people. “I heard their groaning… remembered My covenant…” Exodus 6:5-6
God’s promise to remember was repeated by the covenant he made on Mount
Sinai, when the Israelites became a people. We read this in Leviticus 26:40-45.
Psalm 98:3; 105:8; 42; 106:45 also mention the fact that God remembers His
covenant.
In Ezekiel 16:60 God remembers His promise to restore His people and
bring them back from captivity. Jeremiah 31:34 says, “I forgive their iniquity,
I will remember their sin no more.”
God commands His people to:
- “Remember this day when you came out of Egypt.” Exodus 13:3
- “Remember the Sabbath day.” Exodus 20:8
- Above all, “to remember His marvellous works.” Psalm 105:5; 1 Chronicles 16:15
Zikaron means remembrance, memorial.
God said of His covenant name (YHWH = LORD) “this is my memorial unto
all generations” (Exodus 3:15; Psalm
30:4; 135:13). The name recalls His acts to fulfil His Covenant.
God’s people were commanded to “remember Amelek.” (Exodus 17:14).
The bronze layer that covered the altar (Numbers 16:40) and the heap of
stones near the Jordan River (Joshua 4:7; 20-24) served as perpetual memorials
to the sons of Israel.
Two “memorial stones” inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes
were part of the priest’s ephod.
Before the Israelites went into battle, the people sacrificed sheep and
trumpets were blown. “May they be a memorial before your God.” Numbers 10:9-10
The Greek word anamimnesko is used in an active voice, and means to
remind, call to ones mind. Anamnesis is remembrance. The word is still used
today by doctors when referring to the patient’s medical history.
Those suffering from amnesia are forgetful and have difficulty
remembering.
When celebrating communion, Christians are told to “Do this in
remembrance of Me!”
1 Corinthians 11:24-25
The practice of lighting memorial candles in memory of deceased
relatives is based on Proverbs 20:27, “The soul of man is a lamp for the LORD.”
Originating from medieval Germany, the practice spread to other
communities. Because memorial lights must burn 24 hours, special candles are
used in metal or glass holders.
Memorial services and their special prayers (Hazkarah) remember the
dead and express the hope their souls may be granted eternal repose. We read
about this ancient practice in 2 Maccabees 12:43. Judah Maccabbee tells the
people, “… to pray for the dead and make atonement for them, so that they might
be cleared of their sin.”
In Talmudic times these hazkarot had become accepted customs.
In Judaism, remembrance is seen in a positive light. It doesn’t inflict
guilt or exact vengeance, but evokes positive action in light of the negative
things that have befallen someone. That is why Jewish hospitals have walls with
names of donors honoring the memory of a loved one.
For many people, national memorial days are heart wrenching because of
the traumatic memories they evoke.
Mourning is an integral part of Judaism. However, in order to sit shiva, there first has to be a burial. Imagine
the agonizing situation a family faces when their child goes missing in action,
or is kidnapped by Israel’s enemies. The Jewish people are willing to pay a
high price in order to bring their (dead) children home.
To remember the past
To live the present
To trust the future
Abba Kovner
“Forgetfulness leads to exile, while remembrance is the secret of
redemption.”
Baal Shem Tov – founder of Chassidism
ROSEMARY AND REMEMBRANCE
Rosemary shrubs can be found all over Israel. A member of the mint
family, the evergreen shrubs have a pungent aromatic fragrance. The ancient
people already knew about its reputation for strengthening the memory. Modern
day scientists have proven that Rosemary’s scent is an effective memory
stimulant.
Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:8, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the
dead.”
Yeshua, our Savior, rose from the dead. He is the Source and supplier
of all our needs.
Christians should never forget God’s goodness towards His people.
Not only the Jewish people, but Christians too, should: Remember! And
live!
Excerpt from the book:
Remember, Observe Rejoice by Petra van der Zande.
http://www.lulu.com/shop/petra-van-der-zande/remember-observe-rejoice/paperback/product-23263219.html
