40 years ago

This week is quite the week in history. 40 years ago Israel defeated the Arab world’s armies which sought to destroy her. In only six days, the modern Israeli army reclaimed much of ancient Israel. The result of this short battle is a trying series of repercussions that have endured until today – and have no end in sight.

It is perhaps coincidental that this anniversary lands on Shabbat Shelach Lecha, the Torah portion in which Moses sends twelve spies to investigate whether or not the land of Israel is ready to be invaded. Ten of the spies insist: NO. Two are certain: YES. What to do? Like every committee before and hence, the confusion and conflict generated an overwhelming response: atrophy. Nothing was done; Israel wandered for 40 years. (Let’s hear it for the nay-sayers and the bureaucracy and the troubles they bring to our people!) The words of our Torah are crystal clear, and the message they bring remains with us today as a goad to decisiveness and optimism: “…the challenge was greater than we were… and we looked like grasshoppers to ourselves, and so we must have looked to them.” (Numbers 13:33)

The Israeli army of 1967 -- men and women equal to the task -- chose to see in themselves giants and not grasshoppers. They fought courageously and victoriously. Today, Israel continues to be blessed by their accomplishments.

One woman who contributed to the effort did so in the form of music. Naomi Shemer wrote the song “Jerusalem of Gold” just weeks before the war. Its words inspired soldiers and citizens alike – even as they continue to do so today.

This Friday night at Shabbat services I invite you to join in a discussion of the weekly Torah portion and its connection to this well known song. We will be discussing ALL its lyrics and the controversy surrounding them. It will be a great evening of celebration and song.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Joseph M. Forman