Thoughts on Yom Hazikaron & Yom Haatzmaut 2023

When the chips are down and our backs are against the wall, it’s easy to give up. You could put your hands up and admit defeat. Or, you can fight with whatever you have.

Yesterday was Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day). Today is Yom Haatzmaut (Israeli Independence Day). Jewish history is full of persecution, forced conversion, continual resettlement, destruction, murder, and the drive to be true to the faith of our ancestors.

And yet, we are still here. The fact that modern-day Israel has celebrated its 75th anniversary is nothing short of a miracle. Given her obstacles and imperfections (of which there are many), the fact she is thriving is something to admire.

There will obviously be challenges in the future. But knowing that there Israel exists puts a smile on my face like almost nothing else.

Am Yisroel Chai.

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Jewish American Heritage Month: Americans Jews Who Made an Impact

May is Jewish American Heritage Month. With antisemitism on the rise in frightening numbers, the easier thing would be to hide who we are. Instead, we should be loud and proud of who we are. In honor of this month, I would like to offer a small list of American Jews who have made an impact on this nation.

• Haym Solomon financed the Revolutionary War.
• Steven Spielberg has entertained us for nearly half a century.
• Emma Lazarus‘s poem, The New Colossus, greeted immigrants for generations via the Statue of Liberty.
• Jonas Salk saved countless lives via his polio vaccine.
• Golda Meir was one of the first modern female political leaders.
• Betty Friedan fought for the rights of American women.
• Harvey Milk paved the way for LGBTQ Americans to be themselves and have the same rights as any American.
• John Berman has kept us informed on CNN.
• Jessica Meir went into space with NASA.

P.S. Last week was both Yom HaZikaron and Yom Haatzmaut. Happy Birthday Israel and may the memories of those who gave their lives for their country be a blessing.