Today is Yom HaShoah, the day comemorating the Holocaust. I am reprising an essay from 2016 in memory of Clara Eisenstein who was, and remains, a blessing in my life.
What is the linguistic difference between the words Holocaust and Shoah? The latter refers to an occurrence of utter calamity, the laying waste of and complete desolation of the Jews. Holocaust, on the other hand, derives from the Greek referring to a burnt sacrifice offered to a god. The Nazis’ intent was not a religious offering but the complete and utter destruction of all Jewish life. While the difference is indeed profound outside of Israel Holocaust is the more common usage outside of Israel.
photo courtesy of the Vermont Holocaust Museum.