Later this week we observe Yom HaZikron—Israel’s Memorial Day—and celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut—Israel’s Independence Day. As we lead into those holidays, I want to share some thoughts about Israel over the next few days.
Israel has never been far from the Jewish mind. Wherever we find ourselves, we are to face Jerusalem when praying. After King Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem, he offered a prayer that the Temple would be an eternal home for God’s presence. The Talmud interpreted this to mean Jews living in the diaspora should face Israel when praying, and Jews in Jerusalem should face the Temple Mount.
One of the first “apps” I added to my smartphone was a compass. Wherever I am, in my home or away, I know which direction to face during prayers.
Since the destruction of the second Temple in 70 C.E., Jews have hoped, prayed, and given their lives for the dream that Israel would once again become a Jewish State.
Those of us born after 1948 do not know a world without Israel. It is easy to forget how blessed we are to be living at such a time. Like those who preceded us, even without the aid of an “app,” Israel should never be far from our minds.
Rabbi David Woznica
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