Yorn HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) liturgies: Incorporating a Yom HaShoah liturgy within the Christian liturgical calendar in Australia

In this thesis I propose that the Church should incorporate a Y om HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) Liturgy within its liturgical calendar in Australia. The thesis analyses the critical issues in developing a liturgy for such a service and proposes a liturgy designed for use in Australia. These critical issues include: the naming of the liturgy (the different names available and in use, each with its particular symbolic power); and the necessity for the commemoration to be incorporated within a Christian place of worship and within the Christian liturgical calendar (including why it should be held at a different time from the Jewish Yorn HaShoah, due to different agendas). It examines the reasons for the 27th of Nisan being chosen as the date for commemoration of Yorn HaShoah within the Jewish community. To place the need for the service in context, the thesis reviews the history of JewishChristian relations and briefly discusses flawed theology. It analyses the experience of Jews in Australia and the influence this has had on understanding in Australia about the Holocaust. The commemoration of Y om HaShoah in Australia is contrasted with the situation in three other countries - Canada, Great Britain and the USA. The postHolocaust thinking of several Jewish and Christian theologians is examined in some detail because post-Holocaust theology should influence the planning, writing and conducting of liturgy, especially liturgy for Yorn HaShoah. A discussion of the components of a Yorn HaShoah liturgy follows, which includes both suggestions for and the rationale behind the consideration of several key dates and seasons as a possible time for a Yorn HaShoah service. There is a reminder of some of the key differences between a Christian and a Jewish Yorn HaShoah Service, which is followed by guidelines to consider when planning an interfaith service. The thesis contains a critique of three liturgies, two from the United States, the other from Australia. These critiques are used to develop a liturgy for use in Australian communities which incorporates Australian materials and resources. The thesis concludes that a Yorn HaShoah Service could benefit the Church and the wider community, as well as foster better relations between the Christian and Jewish communities. Individuals would be open to change, and churches to transformation. Developing a liturgy for a Y om HaShoah service requires incorporating elements from many disciplines. It is only by understanding the biblical, historical, theological and liturgical perspectives on Jewish-Christian relations, as well as the broader social and historical context within Australia, that a relevant and appropriate liturgy can be developed and an appropriate date in the Australian liturgical calendar chosen.