Messages From A
Lost Israeli #3

Being in Yerushalayim Shel Zahav for the Rosh Hashana is an amazing experience - and I have not even experienced it yet! There is an atmosphere here incomparable to anywhere else in the world. Everyone is cheerful, shouting out "Shana Tovah" to random people on the street. The past year will soon be behind us, and we are starting anew. Despite the fact that this year proved to be troubling at times, we relate to a quotation by Morpheus in the Matrix 2: "We are still here" - and we are maximizing our daily lives even within the matsav (situation). While anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism continue to exist in the world, the United States and other international powers are beginning to favour Israel over Arafat and Palestinian terrorism. While Palestinian extremism remains, many of the leaders of the terrorist groups fear leaving their homes, as they will be targeted by the IDF. And most optimistic for me, while Israel has seen substantially less Diaspora Jews since the year 2000, tourism - specifically youth summer and year-long programs - has again started to increase and grow by the hundreds; an accomplishment that seemed inconceivable only one year ago.

With all this optimism, there are still many tasks left unfinished. Our achievements are numerous, and yet we have many tasks ahead of us. As Pirkei Avot states in chapter 2, verse 21, "lo alecha hamlacha ligmor v'lo atah ben chorine leebatel meemenah - You are not obliged to finish the task, neither are you free to neglect it". Although a main concern for us as Jews is to pursue peace, as citizens we can only make our voices heard to those who have the power to create policy. So, our focus must shift to a goal that is more within our reach - going to Israel. We still seek more teenagers, and Jewish people, to visit this Holy Land. For many, a rip to Israel becomes a life-changing journey, a pilgrimage filled with self-exploration towards a renewed religious and spiritual confidence. The impact of a visit to our religious and cultural centre is immeasurable. And yet how many have missed out on this experience over the past few years? Even considering the success of this past summer, we still saw only 10% of Jewish youth who normally enters the Eretz Moladetainu, our birthplace. How many teenagers living in a time that involves the most internal growth have missed out on the life-altering experience known as Eretz Yisrael?

Despite the fact that I have always lived in an observant household, and despite my deep involvement in USY, my Jewish way of life would not be the same had I not travelled to Israel. Inspirational Shabbatot by the Machtesh Ramon (crater in the Negev), waiting for the colourful sunrise on Masada, beautiful hikes in the Golan, historical lessons in Tzfat, and the paramount religious sensation of being in Jerusalem are experiences that can not be felt elsewhere, and are all among those precious few life moments that have impacted me and countless others both intellectually and spiritually.

Our task of helping others experience these feelings, of learning about Judaism and Israel, will never be complete. We must continue inspiring others to choose family vacations in Israel instead of Hawaii and to send children to tour this country rather than spend another summer at camp. When are we to do this? There is no time better than today. Chapter 2, Verse 20 of Pirkei Avot states, "hayom katzar vehamlacha merubah - the day is short and the task is great". It is upon us to make a difference, and with the New Year in tow, we can begin right now.

We learn a similar lesson from Avraham from the Torah portion read during Rosh Hashana. On the second day, we learn from Chapter 22 of Breishit about the famous story of Akedat Yitzchak, the binding of Isaac. While visiting various USY regions, I spoke about this tale from a leadership development perspective. However, after having bought a brand new set of chumashim, I look to Rashi, the great medieval commentator, to find classic interpretations to this passage. The beginning of the Torah reading, verse 1, states:

"Some time afterward, God put Abraham to the test. He said to him, 'Abraham', and he answered, Hineni - 'Here I am.'"

The word Hineni is often used by students in a classroom as a rote answer to a teacher calling out names for class attendance, to indicate mere presence in the room. But it can mean much more than that as Rashi comments: "This is the answer of the pious; it is an expression of humility and readiness".

We have a great task ahead of us. We must be humble in our previous accomplishments, and prepare to exceed all past achievements. We all have the ability to make a difference, to influence those around us so that they can develop as supporters of Israel, as active Jews, and most importantly, as better people.

It is my prayer for all of you this Rosh Hashana that you all pursue the example of Avraham - a person of piety, humility, and readiness to serve God and his future generations.

The Jewish university movement Hillel coined the phrase "Wherever I stand, I stand with Israel." While this may be true, there is nothing like standing in Israel.

Considering the idea of motivating others, I would like to say a special shana tova to my family and close friends. You have assisted me in all my decisions, and I would not be the same without you. While there have been high and low points during the past year, it is my bracha that the coming year will be filled with simcha. As Sabba, zichrono leevracha, would always say, "I am thankful for everything God has given me". There is nothing that I am more proud of than to say that I am the grandson of Rabbi Silverman z"l, because he lived to guide others towards a better way of life. He is the truest example of Avraham that I have ever known, and I hope that I can follow in his footsteps.

If I have offended or hurt any of you over the past year, I sincerely apologize and seek your forgiveness. May you have a wonderful year, filled with health and happiness.

Shana Tova U'metukah.