Rabbi's Message

I had been living in Israel for nine months studying to become a rabbi.  What a blessing to experience the day-to-day life and culture of our homeland, a country that can be understood as nothing less than a miracle.  Day after day, I walked the streets of Jerusalem and traveled around the country, but this day was different.  As the sun began to set, Becca and I gathered with hundreds of people in a room that overlooked the Old City. The mood was somber, and we could feel a heaviness in the air. As we made our way through the Ma’ariv (evening) service, the prayer leader paused and asked a simple yet profound question. “How many of you have lost a family member to war or terrorism?” One by one, individuals began rising. The prayer leader asked a second question, “How many of you have lost a friend to war or terrorism?” Every single Israeli stood up. Tears filled the room. One by one, each person had the opportunity to share the name and relationship of the person they were remembering for Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day.

I sat there trying to comprehend the loss that was present in the room. So many lives lost to establish and protect the modern State of Israel. We all stood to say the Mourner’s Kaddish. My eyes filled with tears as I felt a deep sense of gratitude for each Israeli who gave his/her life and for all those that continue to fight to ensure that we have our beloved of Israel. 

Immediately following kaddish, the prayer leader began to speak about hope, specifically, hope for peace. He emphasized that the reason Israelis continue to join the army and are willing to risk their lives is both due to a deep love for the land and the people of Israel, and because of their enduring hope for peace.  As he spoke, everyone in attendance locked arms and began to hum and then sing Hatikvah while swaying. 

For 2000+ years, Jews had longed for a homeland; a place where fear could be transformed to joy.  And here we were.  Yom Hazikaron had transformed into Yom Ha’atzamut, Israel’s Independence Day. The commemoration of death began to transform into a celebration of life; a link that Israelis owe their independence to those who sacrificed their lives for it. Joyful singing continued and Israeli folk dancing began to break out.  The next twenty-fur hours were filled with celebration.  Parades, barbecues, dancing in the streets. Israel transformed into a place of vitality and vibrancy. The joy was tangible and the sense of hope was awesome.

As long as within our hearts the Jewish soul sings
Our hope is not yet lost
To be a free people in our land
The land of Zion and Jerusalem
(Hatikvah)

This week has been an important week of celebrating Israel, especially on this special occasion of the 75th anniversary of it’s founding as a Jewish state and homeland.  We have celebrated the miracle of Israel with our students in our Eric B. Jacob Early Childhood Center, in our Rabbi Albert and Sarah Lewis Religious School, and in our HaMakom High School.  We have celebrated Israel with our South Jersey Jewish community.  Last night we celebrated Israel with a brilliant concert at the Kimmel Center featuring Cantor Cohen, our Makhelat Beth Sholom (TBS choir), and synagogue choirs from throughout the Delaware Valley.  And finally, we will culminate our Israel 75 celebration this weekend when we welcome our special guests Joel Chasnoff and Benji Lovitt to TBS.  I hope you will join us for what promises to be an uplifting Shabbat and a wonderful weekend where we celebrate our connection to and love for Israel as a TBS community.

Israel is by no means perfect. There is much work to be done.  Yet, Israel is a miracle.  It is our home. And it is a beacon of hope for us, for our community, and for our world. This week and every week, may we say in full voice:  Am Yisrael Hai, the people of Israel live!