Singing Hatikvah on Israel Independence Day

Yesterday was Yom Ha'atzmaut. Throughout Israel and in Jewish communities around the world, there were major celebrations to mark 77 years of the State of Israel. Yet this year, the celebration of Israel's independence and the joy and pride that normally accompany this event were different than in the past, tempered by challenges and uncertainty.

Even a cursory review of the headlines from Israel in just the past several days demonstrates the great tensions and challenges within Israel's government and society. The government is divided over the twin priorities of seeking the return of Israel's hostages as well as defeating Hamas. As Israel's president, Isaac Herzog said "Israel can't celebrate independence with a whole heart when our brothers and sisters are not with us." Prime Minister Netanyahu's Independence Day remarks, which stated clearly that victory over Hamas, and not the return of the hostages, was the supreme objective of the war in Gaza provoked anger from many captives' families, yet support from others. A series of political controversies involving Israel's Prime Minister, as well as one involving the former director of the Israeli internal security service known as Shin Bet, (the equivalent of our FBI) continue to undermine public confidence.  These disputes, paired with ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Syria, add to the national strain. As if these crises were not enough, a devastating wildfire—one of the worst in Israel’s history—raged for days outside Jerusalem, forcing the cancellation of several  Independence Day events, including Israel’s official torch-lighting ceremony.

It is against this backdrop that I came across a powerful reflection on Israel’s national anthem, HaTikvah.

As long as in the heart within,
The Jewish soul yearns,
And toward the eastern edges, onward,
An eye gazes toward Zion.

Our hope is not yet lost,
The hope that is two-thousand years old,
To be a free nation in our land,
The Land of Zion, Jerusalem.

This message, written by Rabbi Micha'el Rosenberg of the Hadar Institute (where, Dena Weiss, daughter of Cantor Sam Weiss, Cantor Emeritus of the JCCP/CBT is also a revered member of the faculty) explained that there were other contenders for the Israel's national anthem. Rabbi Rosenberg reminded us that religious Zionists, thinking that the words of HaTikvah were too secular to reflect the religious significance of the new state, advocated instead for the words of the 126^th Psalm. Many reading this column will recognize that Psalm as the one that precedes the Birkat HaMazon, the blessing after the meals, on Shabbat and holidays. Psalm 126 is a song of thanksgiving, acknowledging and rejoicing over the good that occurred in the past.

But Rabbi Rosenberg reminds us that HaTikvah is not a song of celebration, but ultimately of yearning. In his words, "We are not singing that all of our hopes and dreams have been fulfilled, but rather, they are not lost -- that we hope for even better days and more complete fulfillment".

Today, Israel’s mood is complex—both tense and resolute. There is pride in Israel’s achievements, tempered by brutal awareness of the cost of freedom and security. There is no doubt that this generation of Israelis has matched the dedication of previous generations. Patriotism remains strong, volunteerism in Israel's combat units remains high, and thousands insist on continuing military reserve service well beyond the age of exemption. Yet despite war and international isolation, Israel once again made the list earlier this year of the top 10 happiest countries in the world (the USA is #24).

As we reflect on Yom Ha'atzmaut, we understand that the difficulties and possibilities of the modern State of Israel exist simultaneously. Rabbi Rosenberg’s message to us is that “HaTikvah is a recognition that the central theological command that God gave the Jewish people is never to accept that our current state, no matter how degraded or decrepit, dooms us. Hope is not lost—it can never be lost.  That is a national anthem that truly embodies the Jewish spirit.”

And points the way towards a better, more glorious future.