Rabbi Howard Morrison

Throughout our history, the Jewish people have learned how to balance sadness and celebration. Many examples illustrate the need to accentuate both polarities in consecutive fashion.

On Erev Pesach, a Taanit Bechorim, a Fast for the first born, precedes the joyous celebration of Passover. In this instance, for many, the Fast is negated by participating in a Siyum, completing a unit of rabbinical text study.

On Erev Purim, Taanit Esther, the Fast of Esther, precedes the joyous celebration of Purim. The one day Fast harkens back to three days of fasting in the Biblical account. One recalls the near tragedy which almost befell Persian Jewry before one celebrates the miracles associated with Purim. 

This week, Yom Ha'Zikaron, Israel's Remembrance Day, precedes Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day. We remember on the fourth of Iyar this Wednesday with the sounds of the siren calling for silence in Israel. Memorial prayers commemorating all who have fallen for the sake of the State of Israel are recited throughout the Jewish world.

On the following day, the fifth of Iyar this Thursday, we celebrate Israel's  independence. Religious Zionists have developed many liturgical ways to sanctify this special day. At Beth Emeth, we will recite a full Hallel and a contemporary Al Ha'Nisim ("for the miracles") at our daily morning service on Thursday.

While many cultures separate their days of remembrance and independence by a number of months, the Jewish people understand the significance of both themes and often place them side by side.

May joy outweigh sadness, and may despair be followed by rejoicing. 

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison