"Tears may linger for a night, but joy comes with the dawn"; and

"You turned my mourning into dancing. You changed my sackcloth into robes of joy."

In the Haggadah, just before Hallel, we are told that we must thank God for taking us:

From Slavery to freedom, from suffering to Joy, from mourning to celebration, from darkness to great light, from subjection to redemption....

Our tradition, always honest, recognizes that life is not only full of joy. At the same time, however, it firmly believes that things will get better.  This "hope" for a better tomorrow, no doubt, calculated into the decision to make Hatikvah (The Hope), Israel's national anthem.

This notion of going from sadness to joy is one of the reasons that Yom Ha'Atzma'ut, Israel's Independence Day, follows immediately after Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Memorial Day. Indeed, On Yom HaZikaron, Israelis pause to remember. Places of entertainment are closed and two-minute sirens are sounded throughout the country. People stop their cars and stand in silence. In a small nation like Israel, most Israelis have served in the armed forces and sadly, most people know families who have lost loved ones in the protection of their country. Then, from a day of mourning, the entire nation turns to celebration. Yom Ha'Atzma'ut is marked by parties, barbecues, and outdoor concerts. Family and friends gather for parties and visits to the country's cultural institutions.

 

This is AIPAC'S message on this Yom Ha'Atzma'ut:

Today, Israelis celebrate 71 years of independence. 

In just seven decades, the Jewish state has achieved what seemed impossible. Israeli innovation, creativity and vision have made deserts bloom and helped fulfill the ancient call to be a light unto the nations.

Today, Israel is a beacon of freedom, hope and progress. A nation of laws, free elections and vigorous debate. A nation that is home to a diverse people of all backgrounds and faiths, and that stands strong in the face of adversity.

We are proud of all that this tiny nation has  accomplished, but 71 years is just the beginning. The story of Israel is still being written. 

You are part of Israel's story. Your work helps keep Israel safe so the Jewish state can fulfill its promise for generations to come. 

Am Yisrael Chai - the people of Israel lives.

This year Israelis dodged missiles on Saturday and Sunday and then, today (Thursday) danced in the streets. What a country! What a people! What a heritage!

In June of 2020 I will be leading a JCC trip to Israel. For those who did not join us last time, this will be an opportunity to experience our homeland in a very special way. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us! Look for more information in the next month.