|
Dear Friends,
Here in the United States, we honor our fallen soldiers–those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf–with Memorial Day at the end of May. More than a month later, we celebrate Independence Day, the 4th of July. These two observances are deeply connected, beyond their shared celebrations. Without those who gave their lives for our liberties and protections, this nation would not be here today.
In Israel and among the Jewish people, this relationship is abundantly clear. Perhaps it is because every Israeli family, and many non-Israeli Jewish families, knows someone, firsthand, who died in the defense of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. For us, it is all too clear that our freedom and safety comes at a very high cost. The poet Israeli Natan Alterman imparts this understanding in his poem, A Silver Platter:
And the land grows still, the red eye of the sky slowly dimming over smoking frontiers
As the nation arises,
Torn at heart but breathing,
To receive its miracle, the only miracle
As the ceremony draws near,
It will rise, standing erect in the moonlight in terror and joy
When across from it will step out a youth and a lass and slowly march toward the nation
Dressed in battle gear, dirty,
Shoes heavy with grime, they ascend the path quietly
To change garb, to wipe their brow
They have not yet found time.
Still bone weary from days and from nights in the field
Full of endless fatigue and unrested,
Yet the dew of their youth.
Is still seen on their head
Thus they stand at attention, giving no sign of life or death
Then a nation in tears and amazement will ask: "Who are you?"
And they will answer quietly,
"We Are the silver platter on which the Jewish state was given."
Thus they will say and fall back in shadows
And the rest will be told
In the chronicles of Israel
There's profound meaning in Yom HaZikaron, the day of Remembrance for Israel's fallen soldiers, immediately preceding Yom HaAtzma'ut, the Israeli Day of Independence. One directly flows from the other. Heaviness and grief leads to celebration, the vastly different feelings existing in partnership.
Looking back this week to Yom HaShoah, we recall that the theologian Emil Fackenheim taught that from the disastrous experience of the Holocaust came a 614th mitzvah– never give Hitler a posthumous victory. It is a mitzvah to survive and thrive. This past year and a half has made clear that living and flourishing, as individuals and as a community, requires intentional choice, care, and commitment every single day. This week, we remember those who gave everything, and who continue to give everything, so that our people can be here today, and every day to come.
Separately, I want to briefly express my own joy and excitement in welcoming Cantor Emily Simkin to our clergy team, beginning this July. Please take every opportunity this summer to welcome her and get to know her, as I know that she can't wait to meet all of you! If you haven't yet seen our president Jay Kooper's message, please check your inbox for his message sent earlier this morning.
Shabbat Shalom,
Dave
A few reminders:
Some of you may know that Temple B’nai Abraham also serves as a central hub for Israelis in the area on Sunday afternoons. Sunday, April 27, at 4 PM, the tzofim will be hosting a 30-45 minute ceremony for Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron in our sanctuary. Our connection with Israelis, abroad and here, is of paramount importance. We are one family, very much in need of each other. Please come out and show our Israeli friends, who came out for Mitzvah Day, that we consider them part of our extended family.
Earlier that day, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop will be speaking here at Temple B’nai Abraham (at 11 AM). RSVP here. Please note that all NJ gubernatorial candidates from the major parties have been invited to speak, and we are working to set up forums to host those who have responded (or reached out to us first).
Mark your calendars for the Livingston Celebrates Israel observance on Yom Ha’atzmaut, May 1. Details to follow. And, go directly from Livingston Celebrates Israel to the Pulse Gallery Night (beginning at 7 PM) for an unforgettable evening of friends, cocktails, food, and culture, as we celebrate (and bid on) the stunning creations of many Temple B’nai Abraham artists.
Lastly, don’t forget to vote in the World ZIonist Congress Elections!
|
