What's New Rabbi's Article An Inspiring Arrival!
We were picked up at Ben Gurion airport by my grandson, Tzviki. He is now a "Mefaked" (Commander) in the army, where his name is Tzvi. It was a wonderful reunion. On the way to Jerusalem, he pulled the car to the side at 10:59 A.M. One minute later, sirens all over Israel began to sound for two minutes. We left the car and stood at attention as did many other cars and trucks. All Israel came to a halt to remember the fallen soldiers who gave their lives to make the miracle of The State of Israel a reality.
We were taken to Efrat for the forthcoming celebrations. First, there were to be services in the synagogues, after which a huge celebration was to take place. Some of my grandsons, together with others, decided to have the services outside in an open field. As the sun descended and darkness fell, Yair played his guitar as we sang sad songs marking Yom Hazikaron. Suddenly, Dani introduced me to the group as his grandfather. "How do you feel," he asked, having lived through the beginning of the Holocaust in Germany, and now being here in Israel with such a large part of your family?" I was so so overcome by emotion that I simply had no words to respond.
The mood changed to elation as Maariv was recited. The moon was now bright in a clear sky surrounded by twinkling stars. Hallel was sung with dancing and joy. The huge field where the program was to take place was filling up with thousands of people.
We heard a bugle and drum call as the flags were hoisted to full mast, announcing that Yom Ha-atzmaut had arrived! Cheers, dancing and singing were all around us. After an inspiring program, everyone rose to sing "Ani Ma-amin" ("I believe"), made famous during the Holocaust, followed by the Hatikvah.
The huge crowd was then treated to spectacular fireworks.
The next day, the family gathered in Alon Shvut (near Efrat) on a large field for a wonderful (and delicious!) barbecue.
What a homecoming.
Am Yisrael Chai!!
Shabbat Shalom ...Rabbi Norbert Weinberg
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