D'var Torah
Rabbi
Barry A. Kenter
Nisan-Iyyar 5763
Valleys and Peaks
Israel commemorates Yom HaZirkaron, its Memorial Day on 4 Iyyar, the day before Yom HaAtzma’ut, its Independence Day, 5 Iyyar, this year May 7. Ceremonies begin at Har Herzl, deep within Israel’s national cemetery. The mood, solemn and somber, focuses attention on those whose lives assured the existence of a State of Israel. With the onset of the eve of Independence the mood shifts noticeably to one of celebration. This year, once again, as we celebrate the miracle of Jewish sovereignty and the birth of the Third Jewish Commonwealth, all that has happened humbles us. Shalom, shalvah, v’shetak, peace, tranquility and quiet are not yet assured. The bee’s sting keeps us from remembering the sweetness of the honey.
Nevertheless, as the psalmist reminds us, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear.” Without valleys, there can be no peaks, and it is the peak moments that we need to celebrate to lift us from the valleys that seem so often to overwhelm us. We have so come to take the existence of the State of Israel for granted that many of us do not pause to reflect upon its importance and significance in our everyday lives. The presence of a strong, independent Israel has enabled Jews worldwide to stand taller and to integrate more fully into the societies in which they have chosen to live.
This year, on May 6, we will celebrate Israel’s fifty-fifth year. The children in our school will combine sessions to celebrate. We will be offering them the chance to stay for an Israeli repast after school, and we invite everyone in the congregation to join us for dinner at 6:15 p.m. for singing and for dessert. Once again, our GHC klezmer band (one of the big hits of Purim) will add to our enjoyment and celebration. We welcome you, your neighbors, your family and friends to join us in sharing Israel’s joy. Come, be our guests for an evening of food, music and delight. Rejoice with Israel. Rejoice with one another.
Please call the office, 693-4260, to confirm your reservation.