Without a doubt this past week in Israel has been horrendously traumatic, writes Michael Kuttner…
For more than two thousand years the Jewish People have been at the unrelenting receiving end of the worst that humanity could throw at them.
Despite bitter years of exile, pogroms, expulsions, crusades, inquisitions, forced conversions, genocide and blood libels we have persevered. Against all logical odds we have returned to our promised land where miraculously a decimated few managed to turn the wilderness into fertile fields and establish a flourishing society.
The enmity against us has not diminished and in actual fact the more we succeed the greater is the hate that ensues. Our determination to embrace life and enhance humanity in general will eventually defeat the nefarious plots of our enemies and detractors.
At the end of the day the promise made to our first Patriarch, Abraham that those who bless Israel will themselves be blessed and those who curse us will face the consequences, will be fulfilled. This is what sustains us during these difficult days.
AT THE KOTEL
Neither threats of terror nor international “tut tutting” deterred thousands of Jews from visiting the Kotel for the Priestly blessings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mllUZspJWU
SOLIDARITY AND FAITH
On the day of Rebbetzin Lucy Dee’s funeral the residents of Efrat and neigbouring towns lined the streets in solidarity as her husband and surviving children were driven to the cemetery. Young and old alike turned out despite the unseasonable murky and rainy weather.
The video taken by the Mayor’s office starts by showing residents gathered outside the Dee family home. At 9 minutes 40 seconds the family enters the van and the rest of the video shows the drive through part of Efrat onto the motorway in the direction of the cemetery.
https://fb.watch/jQWrW2UsJe/?mibextid=Nif5oz
In the midst of tragedy, faith sustains not only the mourners but also the community.
This is perfectly exemplified by the Hallel prayers which took place in the Efrat Synagogue during Chol Hamoed Pesach which Rabbi Leo Dee and his family attend.
Whether you watch all of it or just a part you cannot but be moved by the solidarity and faith which is so much a part of this warm community.
Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was actively involved with various communal organisations connected to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel.
[This article was originally published on J-Wire and is reproduced here with permission from Michael Kuttner.]
