Thoughts on Yom HaAtzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day

Synagogue members from five congregations in the western suburbs of Chicago including Temple B’nai Israel, gathered on Thursday evening at Har Zion synagogue in River Forest. to celebrate Israel’s seventy-seventh birthday. Understandably, at this point, our joy in the continued existence of Israel for more than three-quarters of a century while still strong is somewhat muted. It is tempered by the ongoing war against Hamas precipitated by the unspeakable events of October 7, 2023. In addition, Israelis have had to deal with widespread wildfires burning in more than 100 places around Jerusalem this week that have caused considerable damage, displaced many people, closed down major highways, and in general marred both the observance of Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s solemn Memorial Day, as well as the joyous celebration of Yom HaAzmaut. Firefighters, joined by soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces, have finally gotten the blazes under control, I understand. At this point, it is still unclear if this was a natural disaster fanned by high winds or arson. Also dampening the mood of celebration, we continue to feel deep concern for the fate of the remaining hostages still not returned to their loved ones and the grief of those still mourning the losses of the initial attack and the ongoing war.

We Jews are used to combining joy and sorrow unfortunately throughout our history. At this program for Yom HaAzmaut on Thursday night we did not forget those still in captivity and prayed for their speedy return to their families. Har Zion’s longtime cantor, Stewart Figa offered a powerful and moving rendition of the song from Les Miserables, “Bring Him Home,” altered to “Bring them home.” He chose to sing this piece in a rendition from the Yiddish production of the show which added to the intimacy and sincerity of our prayers.

However, the focus of the evening’s events was the wonderful Kol Zimrah Jewish Community Singers under the direction of Jonathan Miller. This group performed a variety of musical pieces, some familiar, others new settings for traditional prayers and biblical texts, as well as more contemporary works by modern composers and classical ones as well. Jonathan Miller was an enthusiastic host sharing his excitement about some of these newer composers who have revitalized the liturgical scene, giving new life to older texts.

Besides Cantor Figa, there were two other guest soloists, the cantor from Oak Park Temple, Agnes Valdman, a mezzo-soprano, performed a piece entitled “Kinneret” and the Director of Lifelong Learning and Music from Etz Chaim, Marla Aviva Bentley, a soprano, performed “Ki Eilecha.” Both musicians have beautiful voices and I found their performances most moving. Cantor Valdman, earlier in the program, stepped in for another lead singer for the choir and reached breathtaking heights on the musical scale in that partcular piece. Among the pieces sung by the community singers, several featured lead singers from the group who also had wonderful voices and added so much to the program.

The program included familiar prayers in new settings such as Shehecheyanu, Lo Yisa Goy, Hodu Ladonay, and sections from the prayer for the State of Israel, Acheinu, dedicated once more to the hostages. Two more familiar songs were linked together, Shir LeShalom, which was sung the night of Rabin’s assassination, and Naomi Shemer’s song, Al HaDvash v’al Ha-Oketz, For the Honey and the Stinger, once again a reminder of the mixture of joy and sorrow in life which includes a prayer for God’s protection, helping us through those difficult times as well as joining us in times of joy.

The last piece was Hatikva sung by Kol Zimra and all the assembly from these five congregations. After the acknowledgements and closing prayer, people were encouraged to join Rabbi Glick and members of Har Zion in an impromptu hora around the room.

The event was a wonderful occasion to join with old friends and new in a special event celebrating Israel and Jewish culture. The program was a benefit for Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service. Opportunity was provided to make our donations to this vital service and whether or not you were able to attend the program, we encourage you to support this effort. Contacting Har Zion’s office, they can help you make your contribution. Phone: 708-366-9000.

We also were encouraged to vote by Sunday in the World Zionist Congress election. There is a nominal $5.00 administrative fee and, if you identify as Jewish and are a U.S. Citizen, 18 years of age or older, you are eligible to vote. Voting for the Zionist groups of the Masorti (Mercaz) or Reform (Arza) movements help support funding for programs of these movements in Israel and recognition of non-Orthodox Jewry in the State. https://azm.org/elections/