Israel at 75 ~ April 21, 2023

This Shabbat we celebrate the beginning of the Jewish month of Iyar. Iyar holds a very dear place in the lives of the Jewish people throughout the world. It is the month in which we celebrate the establishment of Medinat Yisrael, the State of Israel. From its pronouncement seventy-five years ago until today, we have witnessed the continuing miracle of redemption occur in the land. We are truly blessed by Israel’s presence in this world and we must continually speak loudly about its accomplishments.

Rabbi Shlomo Riskin recently shared a story that in many ways describes what Israel means to most Israelis. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Yom Ha’atzmaut, we can sense both the pride and joy of this milestone, but also the pain associated with the sad reality of having to secure it borders and protect those who call Israel home.

Rabbi Riskin tells the story of one family in his community whose son was a member of Maglan, an elite Israeli paratrooper unit. Tragically, that son died in action and he, as the family rabbi, was the one to bring the news to the family.

The day before the funeral of his soldier, the father came up to the rabbi and said to him, "When you give your eulogy tomorrow, just don't say 'that is the price for aliyah.'It's not the price we pay; it's the job of aliyah..."

Rabbi Riskin teaches that at brit milah, the words “b’damayich chayee” are pronounced. B’damayich, with your blood, chayee, you shall live. The rabbi goes on to say that right from the moment of entering the covenant, there is a task that one performs, and it is a responsibility and an honor, that “b’damyich chayee,” to serve in Tzahal,the Israeli Armed Forces.

Rabbi Shlomo Riskin continues on that, “A year later, shortly before (Yom Hazikaron) Israel's Memorial Day for its Fallen Soldiers, I learned that my interpretation of [the father] Mordecai's words was correct. He and [his wife] Ann came to see me with a difficult question. "Yehuda, our next son in line, is being inducted into the IDF. He wants to enter Maglan, Yosef's unit. It requires our signature - and we don't want to sign. But he very much wants to go..." I took a deep breath and responded that we cannot make moral decisions for our children; we must let them take their own decisions, even if it causes us much pain. Ann and Mordecai both wept and left my house. I ran after them. "I believe in what I told you," I said. "But I want you to know that if I had to decide whether or not to sign the permission document for my own son; I cannot tell you what I would do..."

“After the Memorial Day ceremony, Mordecai escorted me to his home, where there was a pizza and ice cream party for all of Maglan to welcome Yehuda into their unit. "You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din," I said to Mordecai. "Our children are better than both of us," he answered me.”

This Tuesday morning, if you are able, may I suggest that you pause for two minutes sometime in the morning. In Israel at 11:00 am every Israeli will stop, even if they are driving a caron the highway. They will stand and pay honor to those who both have died serving the country in war, and who have perished at the hands of terrorists. And on Tuesday evening and Wednesday, let us celebrate the greatness of the State of Israel as a homeland and haven to the Jewish people of the world as we celebrate Israel’s 75thanniversary since its establishment as a home to the Jewish people and to all who wish to dwell in peace within its borders.

I recently heard from a young Israeli friend how, unless you live in Israel, it is not your land. Having lived in Israel, having visited Israel, having dreamt about Israel, and having inspired others to make aliyah, while I understand that sentiment, I will always call Israel my home. And I will always stand proud of what Israel represents to we, the Jewish people, no matter where we live. Yet, at the same time, I will honor that Israeli and all Israelis for their commitment to the prophetic dream that only they have achieved, for then it is not simply an aggadah, a fable, it is the truth and a continuing hope.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi K