EP 76: Yerushalmi Lecture 2024 "Zakhor Today. Jewish Memory and History in the Aftermath of October 7, 2023"

The devastating events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war have profoundly shaken Jewish communities worldwide, compelling us to reexamine the concept of Zakhor (remembrance) in our contemporary context. This lecture explores how the ancient commandment to remember takes on new urgency and complexity in light of recent history. Touching on Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi's groundbreaking work "Zakhor: Jewish History and Jewish Memory," I explore the content and implications of the commandment to remember. From today’s vantage point, I ask: what must we remember? How do we contextualize October 7th within the broader scope of Jewish history? What role does memory play in fostering resilience and shaping our future? Lecture is held in English.