Torah Portion - May 8, 2008

Parashat Emor (Leviticus 21-24)

 

The Torah portion, Emor (Leviticus 21-24), appears at first glance to be an archaic discussion of the priesthood and animal sacrifices. The fascinating thing about Jewish texts, however, is that these obsolete practices are followed by calendar of all the biblical holidays, which we continue to celebrate today. And this year, Emor falls at a fascinating time: this week, we also celebrate two modern holidays: Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, which is always preceded by Yom Hazikaron, Memorial Day. In Israel, Independence Day is never celebrated until the entire country has remembered all of the men, women and children who lost their lives in battle or in terror attacks.

On Yom Hazikaron, Israelis flock to the cemeteries, and hold memorial gatherings of various types. There is a large ceremony at the military cemetery at Mount Herzl, and smaller ones at neighborhood parks, community centers, and synagogues. At one point during in the day, the entire country observes two minutes of silence in memory of the fallen.

The next day is Yom Ha'atzmaut, Independence Day. Israelis celebrate in many and varied ways: music, dancing, picnics, fireworks, and goofy rituals such as  playing with squeaky plastic hammers and spraying Silly String, and serious rituals, including the recitation of Hallel-- psalms of praise and thanksgiving.

 

No two holidays could be farther apart in emotion or observance. And yet, to live in Israel is to constantly be aware of both aspects of the Jewish State’s existence: the miracle of how it has grown in the past 60 years, and deep awareness of the human cost. And so, between the mournful tone of Memorial Day and the celebratory mood of Independence Day, there is one twilight moment when everyone stands between the light of the sun and the light of the moon; between the sorrow of loss and the joy of independence and freedom; a liminal time period that our sages called bein hashemashot, the time between the lights.  It is then that we stand between our greatest hopes and our deepest fears.  According to the Jewish way of reckoning time, it is at twilight when the old day departs and a new one begins; when we allow our trepidation to be replaced by hopefulness.

 

This year, on the eve of Israel's 60th Day of Independence,

all who love Israel stand between the sorrow and the joy.

So let us remember to take the time to open a circle of memory and hope:

that the Land of Israel, and all the peoples in its region, will be blessed with peace.

 In the words of the Prayer for the State of Israel:

 


May justice and human rights abound for all her inhabitants. Guide them "To do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8.), and "May justice well up like water, righteousness like a mighty stream" (Amos 5:24). Implant tolerance and mutual respect in every heart, and may all realize that, "We were not brought into this world for conflict and dissension, nor for hatred, jealousy, harassment or bloodshed. Rather, we were brought into this world in order to recognize You, may You be blessed forever" (R. Nachman of Bratzlav). Spread over Israel and the entire world Your shelter of peace, and may the vision of Your prophet soon be fulfilled: "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:4). (translated from the Hebrew by Rabbis for Human Rights)