Avi Lebovich & The Orchestra-April

The week between Yom HaShoah (Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day) and Yom Hazikaron (Day of Remembrance for Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror) is always kind of weird. On the one hand, things are back to normal-there are no sad songs on the radio, no special programs on TV and the newspapers are back to dealing with everyday stuff like the upcoming budget cuts. Yet there is something in the air that makes you think more about where we are as a country. To me Independance Day is for celebrating while these days are more for thinking and reflection-just like we do in the days before a birthday. It seemed to me that this year Yom HaShoah was focused on the quickly dissapearing survivors and their personal stories-and how the younger generation will preserve their memories. I was invited to an alternative Holocaust ceremony (unfortunately I couldn't make it) by friends called "Zikaron BeSalon" or "Memories in the Living Room" in which a group of friends gather in a living room and talk to a holocaust witness. Schools are always bringing witnesses to talk to students but this is very different because of the intimate atmosphere. I heard from a friend that after their witness went home the group stayed and talked until late at night about a wide range of subjects including personal feelings that arised from the account, how they see Israeli society in connection to the Shoa, its treatment to the survivors and where things are headed in the future. "Memories in the Living Room" started 3 years ago by a 27 year old and this year 200(!) houses participated and a few dozens outside Israel. Next Sunday is Yom Hazikaron which hits much closer to home even if you luckily don't personally know a fallen soldier or victim of terror. Last year a friend of mine posted on Yom Hazikaron a status about how she will take the day to read about the personal lives of fallen soldiers-not just how they died but also who they were, what they liked, what they dreamed of and I think I'll do the same. Someone from abroad once told me how much respect he has for Israel for being so strong and succesful after going through so much and I hadn't given it much thought until this week of remembrance and celebration of life.
I really love this song by Avi Lebovich & The Orchestra and usually I'm not too into jazz and specifically the sax but here it sounds really beautiful. A warm reminder that despite all of the sadness we are in April, the lovely month of blossom and growth. You can hear their excellent album here.