Yom Huledet Sameach Yisrael!

How do you go from Yom HaZikkaron to Yom HaAtzmaut, from the sadness and weight of a nation in mourning to the joy and exaltation marking 64 years of independence? We attended a 'havdalah' ceremony with Beit Tefila Yisraeli, a progressive Jewish community in Tel Aviv. There was music, readings, havdalah, and rejoicing. All ages were present – from newborn to elderly citizens in wheelchairs. There was dancing, tears of joy and sadness, and lots of singing. Israelis love to sing and there is such a wealth of Israeli songs to mark every occasion. These two days are filled with meaningful songs to give voice to the range of emotions and the depth of history that has been created here over the last century.

On Ibn Gabirol in Tel Aviv...after midnight on Yom HaAtzmaut. Thankfully, we didn't get shaving creamed!

Following that havdalah ceremony, we went to an amazing production called "Voca People". Imagine high energy, unbelievable singing/music with no instruments, crowd interaction and the characters are from another planet all dressed (and made up) in white. The story of the show is the history of music...which makes complete sense given the importance of music in the Israeli society, psyche, and culture. (voca people) The show emphasizes that music gives energy - and indeed it does. In Israel, music reflects the energy of the people, the spirit of the times, and the nature of what people hope and long for in this land.

After the show, we walked the streets of Tel Aviv which were packed with all ages: at bars and restaurants, kids spraying shaving cream on police cars and people (a strange, yet popular, Yom HaAtzmaut sport), and thousands of people celebrating at various stages set up around the city – the central one most notably at Kikar Rabin in front of the Civic Center.

Today, there have been air force fly-bys all over the country and parties and celebrations everywhere. Any green space is taken up by people picnicking and grilling (another very popular past-time here). There are parades, musical shows, museum programs…an endless array of things to do. We attended a night time performance by Miki Gavrielov on the courtyard of the Jerusalem theater. (Miki Gavrielov) We sat under the stars, in the cool April air, lying on "poofim" (big comfy pillows see: milega). Amazing. This was the epitome of independence: the luxury of being free from worldly affairs for two hours, feeling comfortable sitting/lying next to complete strangers but feeling a unspoken bond, having the chance to enjoy the arts in an art-filled space, sensing the beauty and development of the Hebrew language over the last century, knowing that this country exists and is here and that ISRAEL IS REAL.

May Israel be blessed with peace, security, healthy development and tranquility within her borders. And may all who dwell in the land of Israel as well as those who work to sustain the land of Israel use the tools of brotherhood and sisterhood, of love and trust to make this a place where every person can sit beneath his or her fig tree and grapevine and no one will be afraid. (Micah 4:4) 

Happy 64^th Birthday Israel!