Cherish Israel

Last year, as I approached my 40th birthday, my wife and children eagerly anticipated throwing a joyous party to mark the milestone. While shopping for supplies at the local supermarket, a fellow shopper at the checkout remarked upon the large number of items I had gathered, enquiring about the nature of the festivities. I informed them of my upcoming birthday, to which they casually retorted that they did not see the significance of birthdays, insisting that they were merely another year in one's life. Fortunately, their comment failed to detract from the excitement of the moment and, instead, it inspired me to reflect upon the meaning of landmark celebrations.

We are shortly to mark the 75th birthday of the modern State of Israel and I have noted confusion among some as to how to appropriately observe this significant occasion. There are questions around whether attending a large gathering or donning blue and white attire is enough, seeking ways to make the day more meaningful.

In my exploration of how to celebrate birthdays, I have learned from the Talmud that one's "Mazal", or good fortune, dominates on that day. It recounts how when the evil nation of Amalek attacked the ancient Israelites, the Jewish people positioned fighters whose birthdays fell on that day on the front lines, implying that their birthdays were a lucky day for the soldiers and could potentially help sway the battle's outcome in their favour (Jerusalem Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 3.8).

Other scholars assert that a birthday celebration should serve as an opportune moment for growth, self-reflection and action. Therefore, as we celebrate Israel's miraculous 75th birthday and the unique mission it holds in the world, I would suggest several meaningful ways to observe this significant milestone.

Celebrating Israel's 75th birthday offers us a unique opportunity to express our gratitude and support for the Jewish State by giving to a charitable cause in Israel. While giving to those in need should be a regular occurrence, on this special day we can increase the impact of our contribution by donating generously to an Israeli cause that resonates with us. By so doing, we not only honour the country’s birthday, but also play a role in strengthening the nation and its people. We can also devote extra time to prayer and meditation. Reciting Psalms, especially the Psalm corresponding to Israel's 75th year, can also forge a profound connection to the anniversary. There are beautiful Yom Ha'atzmaut Tefillah services one can attend, which can imbue the day with a greater sense of meaning.

In addition, we are fortunate to have many great festivities happening over this time in Melbourne. By participating in these events, we can join with others to commemorate the significance of