On the surface, celebrating independence under quarantine seems just as ironic as gathering for a Pesach Seder when we are forced inside during a plague. Our experiences under COVID-19 challenge our very notions of community, peoplehood, and independence—these being what we celebrate most in Jewish life.
Am Yisrael Chai
Over the past six weeks (has it only been six weeks?!?!), we have proven that it is possible to maintain, and even grow, our Jewish community in the most dire circumstances. Of course, this isn’t the first time that the Jewish people have been faced with existential danger. When trouble looms, our community rallies in support of one another. From Pharaoh to the Third Reich to 1967 and beyond, the Jewish people do what it takes to survive.
Am Yisrael Chai
In the coming days, we will honor the fallen heroes of the State of Israel and make the stark transition from memorializing the deceased to celebrating independence. Though traveling to Israel seems a far off dream at this particular moment in time, the reality of our connection to our family remains ever-present. As Israel celebrates 72 years of statehood, we as Jews in America, and all Americans for that matter, should celebrate the existence of Jewish autonomy in our sacred homeland.
Am Yisrael Chai
Finally, we must confront the paradox of celebrating independence under duress. This coming week we celebrate Israel’s independence, and in not so many weeks July 4 will be upon us. Israel and America would not exist were it not for the sacrifices of the few to ensure the freedom of the many. In no way do our sacrifices compare to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but we must still give up certain comforts and luxuries to ensure that our friends and family, our neighbors and fellow citizens, the whole of the Jewish people and all of humanity are able to survive this pandemic and thrive as God intended for us.
Am Yisrael Chai
As we shout Am Yisrael Chai this Shabbat and this Yom HaAtzmaut, may our words echo around the globe as a reminder of the God’s promise found in the Book of Genesis, “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse him that curses you; And all the families of the earth Shall bless themselves by you.” The fate of the Jewish people and all the world is tied together. Together, may the blessing of Am Yisrael Chai be a blessing for one another for the strength and courage to persevere in this time so that we may arrive in peace once more.
Am Yisrael Chai and Shabbat Shalom
Tune in this Friday night for Shabbat services that will focus on Israel and especially this Tuesday for Cantor Adesnik’s Israeli Music Facebook Live Concert at 6:00 pm and Cary Rosenthal’s Israel and the Middle East TE Talk on Zoom at 7:00 pm (links in the KQ). There are so many ways to gather to celebrate Israel as a community over Zoom and Facebook Live, I can’t wait to see you soon!