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A nation that remembers and celebrates

13/04/2021 09:09:07 AM

Apr13

Dear Congregational Family,

What other nation observes its remembrance day and its independence day in two consecutive days? 

In May of 1973, my immediate family and I went to Israel for the first time to celebrate my BarMitzvah. It was then that my appreciation for everything Israel truly began. The images in the Siddur and Tanach became clear as I visually witnessed many of the sites, sounds, and feelings. Suddenly, our history, literature, and values came to life.

While my arrival to Israel in 1973 took place immediately after Yom Ha'Atzmaut, I witnessed the juxtaposition of Yom Ha'Zikaron and Yom Ha'Atzmaut during my rabbinical school year in Israel during the academic year of 1983-84. How struck I was by the siren on Israel's remembrance day - a nation standing in attention, followed by intense joy and celebration the day after. 

In describing the Biblical Fasts which commemorate the destruction of the First Temple, the words of  Tanach anticipate "Mi'Yagon L'Simcha - from sadness to celebration." How amazing that the collective peoplehood of Israel actually transitions from one to the other in a twenty-four hour period nowadays.

Since the fourth and fifth of Iyar, the designated dates for Yom Ha'Zikaron and Yom Ha'Atamaut, are not derived from Torah or observed with halakhic restrictions as on Shabbat, the two days are deferred in terms of their observance this year to Wednesday and Thursday, the second and third days of Iyar. This way, the contemporary rituals will not inadvertently lead to violations of Shabbat practices. Nevertheless, the two straight days of remembrance and celebration are juxtaposed one next to the other.

May we all find meaningful ways to connect with Medinat Yisrael this week and always.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Fri, 29 March 2024 19 Adar II 5784