Manchester Vigil Sunday 22nd June 2014 #bringbackourboys
Naftali ,Gilead , Eyal, Od lo avda Tikvateinu!
For 2000 years we dreamt of a return to our homeland and today, those very same words carry with them a new dream. We want to see the boys home!
This vigil isn’t a demonstration of sadness or helplessness by those resigned to a terrible fate. Rather it’s a show of unity and strength emboldened by our collective spirit, that indefatigable passion that shouts out Am Yisrael Chai!
That original dream was part of our national consciousness since the fall of the Bet Hamikdash. The Jewish people remaining faithful to it, in all the countries of their dispersion. Never ceasing to pray and hope for a return and for the restoration of their national freedom. The founders of the state wanted it to be based on the precepts of liberty, justice and peace, social and political equality of all its citizens, as envisaged by the prophets of Israel. That vision has belonged to us exclusively. Israel’s neighbours had their own prayers, but justice peace liberty and collective brotherhood were tragically not amongst them.
It is not for us to assume the role of God and become His spokesperson declaring to all who might listen why it happened. We do not know that, we cannot know why.
Our duty is to use this time until they return home, wisely. We are taught that the weekly Torah reading isn’t simply a history lesson but also a running commentary on how to interpret events today. We have lived through two Shabbatot now, two weeks with an empty chair at the Shabbat table, a burning candle but no head to receive the parents blessing, RAV LACH SHEVET BE’EMEK HABACHA- too long have you dwelled in the valley of weeping.
The first Shabbat we read the story of the twelve meraglim, who were sent to scout the land of Israel. This tragic episode altered the course of Jewish History. Rejecting the land has consequences. We all have our own reasons, justifications, excuses for not living in Israel. We too have chosen chutz laaretz over the land flowing with milk and honey. Yet since the kidnapping all eyes have faced east, Ayin Letzion tzofia. We have lived with hourly updates, with a more intimate connection to the land that has moved beyond what friends and family might be up to. We are speaking of it more, yearning for it longing for it to be the beacon of light that brightens the whole world. We dare not act like the meraglim rejecting the land, it has become more real for all of us.
Yesterday we read about Korach and his dispute with the leadership of Moshe. Infighting has always been part of the human story. Yes Kayin ! you are your brothers’ keeper, Kol yisrael areivim ze lazeh. The mass show of unity from all parts of the community right to left has been overwhelming. We must do more to feel each other’s joys and sorrows, to recognise the bonds that connect us, not only in times of joy but in happy times too. We must not assume that those with a different kippa or no kippa at all view us with suspicion those that say good Shabbos or Shabbat shalom want to remain apart.
Infighting is a plague that destroys, unity, achdut the vital antidote.
To the families of the three boys we send you our collective hug, you are in our thoughts and prayers. I asked my wife to light an extra Shabbat Candle this week, the world is a darker place right now, but we can add more light. The need to do something is overwhelming. We pray that the IDF remain safe as they continue their search. We pray that we will hear good news today! We pray that displays of unity should be the defining characteristic of the Jewish people and will continue once the boys are home. We pray that the boys are being looked after and are together.
Placing our trust in the Rock of Israel we declare Tzur Yisrael – Rock of Israel arise to the aid of Israel and liberate as you pledged, Hashem the holy one of Israel-for you are a powerful Redeemer, Baruch Ata Hashem Go’el Yisrael- Redeemer of Israel. Amen.
#shabbos #Shabbat #achdut #Meraglim #Manchester #Israel #Kidnapped #vigil #bringbackourboys #Kippa #Korach
Comments