This year, Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day) begins at sunset on Tuesday, April 21 and continues through Wednesday April 22nd.

It marks the 78th anniversary of Israel’s independence which takes place on the 5th of Iyar.

On May 14, 1948 Israel declared its independence as a sovereign nation following 28 years under British rule.

Since its Independence, Israel has fought nine existential wars with its Arab neighbors.

Yom HaAtzmaut is not celebrated by all Israelis, in the same fashion. Many Israelis  do not believe in supporting the “Jewish State”, but rather attribute and reserve the importance and existence of Eretz Yisrael for when the messiah arrives.

Friends, there is no right or wrong perspective. Each and every Jew believes in the importance and centrality of Israel from his/her individual perspective. We therefore accord respect to all perspectives and hashkafot.

Current and Future Challenges

As we know, Yom HaAtzmaut takes place immediately after Yom HaZikaron.

This dramatic transition, from national mourning and memorial to joy and celebration is a reality which challenges and supports our resilience and resolve as a Jewish people and as a nation.

This year, the transition is even more pronounced as we are in the midst of an existential war with Iran and Hezbollah. To be sure the celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut is somewhat diminished and eclipsed by this current war. We nevertheless, continue to demonstrate hope, resolve and promise that the land of our ancestors and the country which represents our birthright will continue to provide us with inspiration and strength for generations.

Although on Yom HaAtzmaut there will be celebrations throughout Israel with parades, concerts picnics and business closures, the fact remains that there are currently dark clouds hovering over Israel as it awaits the outcome of a US brokered ceasefire. We are also very mindful and cognizant of the fact that it isn’t over until it’s over. This means that there is absolutely no way to predict what lays ahead of us; and that only HaShem informs the future.

Celebrating Yom HaAztmaut from a rabbinic and historical perspective is a fascination one.

Rabbis Isaac Herzog instituted a special tefillah including Hallel; Rabbi Shlomo Goren agreed with this custom, but recited Hallel without a bracha.

One of the most fascinating historical events is revealed by Rabbi Yosef Kahaneman founder of the Ponsvezh Yeshiva. He in fact omitted Tahanun in order to mark the day of simcha and joy.

It is interesting to note that the Ponevezh Yeshiva actually flies an Israeli flag on its roof once a year on this day honoring Rabbi Kahana’s wishes. Truly an amazing event in support of Yom HaAtzmaut.

Finally the relationship between the great Rav Zvi Yehuda Kook (head of the Mercaz HaRav) and Yom HaAtzmaut is foundational. It is reported that he in fact viewed the eventual creation of the State of Israel as a “spiritual necessity”. Not a small or minor perspective.

At the end of the day, whether one celebrates or observes Yom HaAtzmaut through public tefilla/brachot, or in private, one thing is clear …… Medinat Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael, Am Yisrael and Torat Yisrael is and will always be etched in our hearts and souls as a perpetual legacy and birthright.

Irrespective of how Yom HaAtzmaut is observed or celebrated, it encompasses a multitude of personal thoughts, feelings and emotions for so many people in our Jewish community.

For the Holocaust survivor, it represents the celebration of a country and a homeland which for the survivor was an ultimate dream and vision to redefine life and rebuild a family following liberation from the camps.

For the immigrant who escaped religious persecution and antisemitism (in search for an ultimate homeland), it represents a safe, secure and protected haven called home.

For the elderly couple who aspired to live-out their golden years in the country of their dreams, it is the definitive peaceful place to live.

For the relatives who seek a final resting place for a loved one in the holy soil of our ancestors, it represents a final physical and spiritual return to HaShem.

For the young family who dreams about Aliya and about growing their family in a county which is wholesome, family focused, all-embracing and one which treats all of its citizens as extended family.

And finally, it represents an island of kedusha and moral clarity in a turbulent and unsettling ocean of conflict, dissonance and isolation.

As I write this blog on the eve of Yom HaAtzmaut, I am pleasantly reminded of how much I enjoyed celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut eight years ago when visiting the Kotel in Yerushalayim.

It was a feeling of jubilation, excitement, kedusha and gratitude. But above all, I felt a true sense of achdut like no other.

In retrospect, maybe this is what Yom HaAtzmaut is all about.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)