... their focus from prayer and tradition to the rebirth of Judaism focusing on resistance, continuity and love and connection to the Jewish homeland of Israel. From Swastikas on train station walls to Arab Israeli conflicts to the commemoration of Yom-Hashoa (Holocaust remembrance day) to the celebration of Yom-Ha atsma'ut (Israel's birthday), all affect contemporary Jews around the world and continue to shape our modern, Jewish identities. Jews do not need to compete in a morbid contest as to who has suffered the most in history. It is important, however, to explain why the Holocaust is a unique part of human history why it has so strongly affected the identity of the modern Jew. While bearing their unique witness to the Holy One of Israel and to the Torah, the Jewish people have suffered much at different times and in many places. But the Shoah was certainly the worst suffering of all. ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now