Remembering Yom Kippur: Aharon Yaremi's Unforgettable Childhood Experience

An Introduction to Aharon Yaremi

"I'm Aharon Yaremi. I was born 55 years ago to wonderful parents of Yemenite descent in Rosh Haayin, where I still live today. I'm married to Yael and have three children: Barak, Or, and Assaf. I've been working in music for over 40 years, and thankfully, it's my livelihood."

A Nostalgic Spark

"Music has been my passion since childhood. I vividly remember sitting with my friends in the neighborhood, in Rosh Haayin, singing and playing. We didn't have instruments, so we used buckets, pots, spoons, and forks to make music in basements and homes.

"Another memory that has stayed with me is from the Yom Kippur War. Every year, as Yom Kippur approaches, I find myself recalling that time with even greater intensity."

"My late parents lived near the 'Elbam' synagogue, named after a famous Torah scroll. Everyone of Yemenite descent knows its storied history. People came from all over the country to pray there, especially during the High Holy Days.

"In 1973, when the Yom Kippur War broke out, I was just 9 years old. Aharon Amram, a prominent cantor, led the prayers at 'Elbam'. The atmosphere was filled with the sanctity typical of Yom Kippur. It was a time of holiness beyond words.

"Suddenly, during the service, soldiers from the Home Front Command entered the synagogue and, to our surprise, asked the cantor to stop the prayers and join them to enlist in the army due to the imminent war. They insisted it was an emergency.

"As a 9-year-old, witnessing this was overwhelming. I couldn't fully grasp everything happening, and it felt very strange. To top it off, I saw the congregants, righteous individuals I knew since childhood, getting into their cars to drive away on the most sacred day for our people.

"I'll never forget what I saw as a child during the Yom Kippur War. It left me in shock and turmoil. Even today, whenever I meet Aharon Amram and mention that fateful Yom Kippur, a day we all wish to forget, he tells me how deeply it affected him too. It was truly an unfathomable day."

A Spark of Judaism

"My father of blessed memory placed high importance on learning Torah in the Yemenite tradition with the mory. I was fortunate to enjoy reading Torah in the Yemenite style and still love it today. I fondly remember gathering with all the neighborhood kids. It was a powerful experience. Later, I became a favorite at our synagogue for my voice, a gift from Hashem, leading to regular aliyahs to the Torah."

An Inspirational Spark

"My father, who loved singing and Torah reading, has always been my main source of inspiration. Additionally, Rabbi Shalom Shabazi inspires me through his unique poems and remarkable personality. The traditional Yemenite songs are a fundamental part of my life, thanks largely to my mother, Afia, who would sing tirelessly, even while cooking and working at home."

A Spark of Mitzvah

"I'm deeply committed to acts of kindness. Volunteering and helping others were key values instilled in our home. Therefore, whenever possible, I perform at hospitals and senior centers, especially the one my mother frequented for years. Beyond that, I enjoy studying Torah, focusing on weekly Torah portions, and extracting lessons relevant to today."

A Prayerful Spark

"I pray and lay tefillin every day, finding a deep connection in the Shema. It's my most private moment with Hashem. In my daily life, linked to music, I've incorporated prayer songs. The song 'Refa'enu Hashem' recently touched me profoundly and resonated widely."

A Spark of Resilience

"My guiding principle is that with faith, there is no worry. I believe everything comes from Hashem and is for the best. When you have faith and trust in Him, dealing with life's challenges becomes much easier. I've often seen 'Hashem's salvation in the blink of an eye.'"