Thoughts on Freedom and Independence
This week, we celebrate the 57th Anniversary of the establishment of Medinat Yisrael, the modern state of Israel. Yom HaAtzmaut , Israel’s Independence Day, is truly one of the most joyous of occasions for Israelis. Americans who have been fortunate to spend time in Israel on Yom HaAtzmaut , may have witnessed similarities to the July 4th Independence Day we are so familiar with. Public celebrations, including cookouts and fireworks, live music, and parades in the streets all are reminiscent of the Independence Days of my childhood growing up in Upstate New York.
However Yom HaAtzmaut , for me and for many others, is so much deeper, so much more than just a celebratory hot dog and slice of apple pie. The return to Zion, the in-gathering of the Jewish people, the establishment of a Jewish homeland, are all significant stages in the wondrous, even mysterious spiritual journey that is the destiny of the Jewish People.
Just two weeks ago, Jews gathered around Seder tables and declared:
“B’chol Dor VaDor, chayav adam lirot et atzmo k’ilu hu yatza mimitzrayim”-
“In every generation an individual must envision for himself that he is leaving Egypt.”
Maimonides, in the seventh chapter of the Laws of Leaven and Unleavened has a subtle, yet profoundly different version of this Hagada text. In the sixth law, Maimonides writes:
“B’chol dor vador chayav adam liharot et atzmo, k’ilu hu b’atzmo yatza ata, mishibud Mitzrayim...”
“In every generation an individual must demonstrate for himself as if he himself is leaving Egyptian servitude right now...”
Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, explains that the redemption of the Jewish People is an on-going work in progress that began with the Exodus from Egypt and continues to weave its way through all the trials and tribulations of Jewish History. Each year on Seder night we recall just how far we have come from those days in Egypt, and how in every single generation there have been challenging experiences in that on-going journey to the Messianic Age.
In our generation, we continue to face challenges, confusion and pain, yet we cannot ignore how far we have come. Another well known section of the Pesach Hagada is the section of the four questions. At the Seder table we ask:
“Ma Nishtana Halayla Hazeh mikol halailot?”
“What has made this night different from all other nights?”
Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, the Chief Rabbi of Beit El, and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Ateret Cohanim in Jerusalem’s Old City has a powerful explanation of this opening question.
Ma Nishtana Halayla Hazeh, Rav Aviner explains, is not asking what makes the 15th of Nisan different from the 4th of Adar, or the 6th of Elul, or any other night on the Jewish calendar; rather is stating this night, Pesach5765 is so different than Pesach ten years ago, than Pesach fifty years ago, than Pesach 2,000 years ago. Rav Aviner writes so vividly:
“What makes this night different from all other nights? This night is so different indeed! During all other ‘nights’ of our exile, the Jewish people found themselves oppressed in foreign lands, on this ‘night’ we are home in our Land. On all other nights we served foreign kings and governments, on this night we are independent and free. On all other nights in our history we built foreign cities like the Egyptian store-cities of Pitom and Ramses, on this night we’re building right here in Tel Aviv. On all other nights in our history we spoke Russian or German, tonight we speak Hebrew. During all other “nights’ of our dispersion we were in foreign nations, tonight we are home in our State. On all other nights we were forced to enlist in foreign armies, tonight we proudly adorn ourselves with the noble garments of the Armed Forces of the State of Israel...
Thank G-d, this night is so different, through Hashem’s unending kindness toward us...”
Rav Aviner’s insight into the significance of this moment, of where we are in Jewish history is powerful. There is so much to be thankful for, so much to recall and honor. We honor the memory of so many young men and women who have given their lives for the safety and viability of the State of Israel. We honor and revere our soldiers who continue to stand guard and protect us in today’s challenging times. Lastly, we rejoice at the incredible blessings and gift that G-d has given us- Lihiyot am chafshi b’artzeinu- to be a free people in our Land.
May we continue to receive Hashem’s kindness, and may we continue to move with great momentum along our magnificent journey toward unity, peace and joy for Am Yisrael, forMedinat Yisrael, and for all mankind...
Yom HaAtzmaut Sameach, Happy Independence Day…
Rabbi Sam Shor