D'var Torah

Beginning Sunday night, we will begin commemorating Yom HaZikaron, a 24 hour-long period of solemn remembrance, where Israel marks the loss of fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks. A siren goes off as people step away from their daily lives to stand still- on the side of the road, in their classrooms, their yards. Ceremonies take place all over the country, many of them in community centers and high schools, where people can honor and remember someone they loved and lost. In such a small country, there are few who aren’t touched by this moment- it feels as if everyone knows someone who has been lost in war or terror.
 
Then, as the sun sets, the country transitions from a time of mourning to a time of celebration- Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day. While Israelis from diverse backgrounds and traditions have different expressions for this moment, in many places, there are exciting celebrations. Wandering through the major cities, you might find Israeli folk dancing in the streets, concerts by famous Israeli singers, fireworks, and more, to honor the official establishment of the state in 1948.
 
While living in Israel, I had a chance to explore these sacred holidays on my own. I spent the day of Yom HaZikaron attending a number of different ceremonies, pausing for the siren’s sound, and taking time to process the moments of the conflict that have been most painful and prominent for me- watching my family go through the 2nd Intifada perhaps standing out the most. At sunset, I watched a concert from my balcony that overlooked a park before spending the evening walking in the streets which had been closed to cars, stopping to buy light-up Israeli flags, and dancing traditional Israeli dances with friends. Those 48 hours were exhausting- sending the whole country through a dizzying array of emotions. From pain to joy, and from loss to gratitude, and so much more.
 
With the events of October 7 still so present in our minds, I imagine these days will be even more intense this year. The joyful moments will likely feel damped by the tragedies of this year, and though many might still feel some gratitude on the day of independence, I don’t imagine there will be much joy this year, with 133 hostages still held in Gaza, and so much pain in in the world.
 
Whatever you are holding right now, perhaps these “Yoms” are a way to process what you are feeling. And while these holidays might not be “ours” as American Jews, we certainly observe them, while listening to and lifting up Israeli voices in all of their different expressions of these emotional, complex, and beautiful days. And if you are free on May 16, do join members of our clergy team, and others from the Northern Virginia community at the Pozez JCC by signing up here, for a commemoration of Yom HaZikaron. Am Yisrael Chai, and Shabbat Shalom.