On the other hand
Switching from mourning to celebration is a unique feature of Jewish life.
From the depths of the genocidal Shoah, after a mere three years, Jews worldwide celebrated the restoration of Jewish sovereignty in the Land promised to our Patriarchs and Matriarchs.
On the day preceding Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israelis and Jews in the Diaspora commemorate and mourn for the thousands of lives lost in defence of the Jewish homeland. This year especially our thoughts and prayers will be focused on the IDF defenders who have fallen, terror victims who have been murdered and kidnapped hostages still held captive. The sirens will sound and the country will come to a complete halt followed by ceremonies at military cemeteries.
When dusk falls at the end of the day, as though a switch has been turned on, celebrations will commence and the next day will be one of barbeques and family gatherings.
This year’s festivities will be rather more subdued than usual.
SAVING A LIFE
The kidney of a soldier who fell in battle against Hamas terrorists was donated and saved the life of an eight-month-old baby.
Watch as the family of the donor and the family of the baby meet each other at the hospital and embrace in an emotional encounter.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-killed-idf-soldier-gives-kidney-to-8-month-old-baby/
THREE MINUTES
That is all the time it takes for former Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, to explain how Jews are the indigenous people of the Land.
SHIR HAMA’ALOT
We sing this Psalm at the beginning of Birkat Hamazon (Grace after meals).
There are myriad tunes to which it can be sung.
Here is a beautiful version based on a famous Maori song.
Yes it never ceases to amaze me…..
What does sadden me is the reaction [whether it applies to the Jewish community] when “soldiers have had wounds to heavy to bear”……..