B"H
Thursday, Iyar 4, 5778 (19th day of the Omer) / April 19, 2018
Today Israel celebrates, “Yom Ha’atzma’ut” - “Independence day.” In other years it would be on the 5th of Iyar, but being that the 5th of Iyar is Friday and the celebrations may cause a violation of Shabbat observance, it is proclaimed the 4th of Iyar.
We thank G-d every day for choosing us as His Holy nation and giving us the Holy Land. It is nothing short of a miracle that we have been able to defend Israel for the past 70 years against overwhelming odds which were, and are, stacked against us to this very day. It is only because G-d is with us, as the Torah says, “For He is the One Who gives you the power to do battle.”
This made me think that it would also be appropriate to call this day, “Dependence Day,” – to recognize that Israel’s existence is constantly dependenton G-d.
In fact, for the past 3000 years we were always a dependent and independent people at the same time. We were always dependent on G-d and independent of anyone else. This is the secret of our 3000 year existence, while many of the nations who opressed us are long gone. We have always been a “dependent” people.. not on other nations, but on Hashem. As a result, our Jewish spirit and Neshama was always independent, even in the worst of physical times. This is the secret of our being here today, enjoying our 3000 year old culture, religion, identity and Holy Land.
Jewish independence is a result of our firm dependence on Hashem, as Moshe told the Jewish people, “Because of your connection to G-d, you are all alive today.” We must recognize that.
The mikveh (ritual bath) in the city of Premishlan, was located behind a steep mountain. During the summer months the people would take the short route to the mikveh, which went over the mountain. But, in the winter, when the mountain was covered with snow and ice, it was dangerous to go up and down the mountain, so they would take the long way and go around the mountain.
The Chassidic Rabbi of Premishlan, Rabbi Meir, would take the shortcut all year round. He would go over the mountain even in the winter and would always safely get to the mikveh and back. People spoke with admiration about their illustrious holy rabbi, how G-d watched and protected him.
There were a few wise guys who made fun of the people who viewed this as a miracle. They said, “This is no great deal. We can do it too.” One winter day, they started climbing up the mountain to prove their point. Half way up, they lost their footing.. slipped and rolled down the mountain, hurting themselves badly. When they recovered, they came to Rabbi Meir and asked for his forgiveness. Then they said, “Rabbi we recognize that this is not humanly possible. How do youdo it?”
Rabbi Meir replied, “When one is connected on high.. they do not fall below..” It is because we are connected to G-d that He protects us down here. In our dependencelies the secret of our independence. Am Yisrael Chai– Long live Israel. Amen.
HAVE A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL AND WONDERFUL DAY