What is Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day about?
Independence Day is very much about what the prophet Amos says:
“Behold days are coming, says the Lord, when the plowman shall meet the reaper and the treader of the grapes the one who carries the seed, and the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will return the captivity of My people Israel, and they shall rebuild desolate cities and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their produce. And I will plant them on their land, and they shall no longer be uprooted from upon their land, that I have given them, says the Lord your G-d”
We are part of a process and purpose much bigger than any of us can imagine.
Yet, it’s also so personal and I ask, what does Yom Ha’atzmaut mean to you?
This is my response. For me, Israel is about the songs that connect me and arouse a yearning for the Israel. These are the songs of my childhood. Growing up, my home was full of music from Israel and I was amazed to learn that Israel has a song for everything. I would play a game with my mother where I name some place or idea or type of tree and my mother would sing a song in Hebrew with the word. I believe that in some way, that is Israel’s way [amongst many] to fulfill the verse from this week’s parsha- “be Holy for I, your God am Holy.” We sanctify our lives and existence by seeing the beauty and Godliness in the simple things in life, especially as it pertains to the Land of Israel. We often do this with song- sometimes painful but often times joyful.
So today’s blurb is an opportunity to share some of the songs that make me proud and grateful to be connected to the land, people and God of Israel. Enjoy!
Peace to you, oh wonderful land by Yehoram Gaon- redone for this year’s Independence Day [inc. subtitles]
Al Kol Elel by Naomi Shemer redone for Israel’s 70th Independence Day
Uf Gozal (Fly my bird) by Arik Einstein
Latet by Boaz Sharabi
I hope you also find this inspiring and uplifting.
So what does Israel Independence Day mean to you? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Chag Atzmaut [Independence Day] Sameach and Shabbat Shalom!