What are your first memories of Yom Ha'Zikaron and Yom Ha' Atzmaut?
As a child, I remember a memorial candle lit in the dining room. I knew it was not a holiday on which yizkor is recited nor was there a yahrzeit. My father explained that this candle was to remember Israel's fallen heroes and to participate in Israel's Memorial Day. The next night, my parents would hang a giant Israeli flag in the den to mark Israel's Independence Day. I did not go to a Religious Zionist day school, and we had no assembly, special songs, or Hallel. My Yom Ha'Atzmaut celebration was that giant flag along with falafel for dinner.
My strong childhood memories paved the way for these modern Israeli holidays to mean so much to me. Yom Ha'Zikaron and Yom Ha'Atzmaut are sacred days. When I watch as Israelis stop what they are doing as the siren sounds; or see the images of families remembering loved ones; or watch the videos that tell the inspiring story of Israel, I am filled with awe, joy, reverence, and inspiration. How fortunate we are to have the State of Israel! We must commemorate, celebrate, and be grateful to God for this miracle!
There are numerous articles and messages that are written and disseminated in honor of Israel's birthday. I am sure you have seen plenty, and you can easily find them on the internet or social media. It is heartening that so many people with so many different perspectives are celebrating Yom Ha'Atzmaut and recognizing all that Israel has accomplished and represents.
One thing I noticed in a number of messages and articles is that their authors temper the congratulatory spirit by addressing some of the problems Israel faces and acknowledging some of the voices critical of Israel. We all know that the situation in Israel can be "complicated." It is a wonderful country, a beacon of freedom in a tyrannical region, a high tech juggernaut, and our homeland. But...There is always a "but."
It is legitimate to raise the tough issues and engage in self-examination and self-criticism. (If you read the Israeli press, you'll know how good Israelis are at it!) When we celebrate Israel, however, the focus should be on the positive. For one day - or even just the birthday message, let's focus on the greatness of Israel. Tomorrow, we can get back to addressing any shortcomings.
In today's world, there is concern about the Jewish community's connection to Israel. It is weakening - especially within the younger generation and those Jews with weaker Jewish identities. A frank conversation about Israel is needed as is more education. At the same time, one way to instill pride and strengthen the positive feeling for Israel is love it even more. Let's identify all the great things Israel has accomplished, is accomplishing, and will accomplish. Are there problems to address? Absolutely! We can better address those with a foundation of a strong love for Israel.
In the early twentieth century someone brought a dilemma to Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak Kook, first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of pre-state Israel. He had given his son a good Jewish education. He had always kept the mitzvot at home. Now, however, the son had drifted far from Judaism. He no longer kept the commandments. He barely identified as a Jew. What should the father do?
"Did you love him when he was religious?" asked Rav Kook. "Of course," replied the father. "Well then," Rav Kook replied, "Now love him even more.
Israel is only 72 years young. How can we better connect ourselves and our children to the State of Israel? How can we properly evaluate, praise, and even critically discuss the Jewish State?
On Yom Ha'Atzmaut, let's love Israel more.
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