Heart in the right place

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, it is upon us to ask about our own connection to this modern miracle. What role does it play in our lives in Australia? Maimonides writes in his Hilkhot Tefillah (5:3) that a person standing in the diaspora should “turn his face” (mahzir panav) towards Israel and pray. One standing in Israel should “direct his face” (mechaven et panav) towards Jerusalem.

The question is why does Maimonides use a different term when referring to diaspora Jews facing Israel (i.e. mahzir) and Israeli Jews facing Jerusalem (i.e. mechaven)? Moreover, the Talmud (Brachot 30a) consistently uses the phrase “direct one’s heart” (yechaven et libo), both with reference to Jews praying outside and inside Israel and only uses the phrase “return his face” (mahzir panav) with reference to someone who is facing east and needs to turn west or vice versa (i.e. they need to make a 180 degree turn), which strengthens our question. this momentous occasion. According to Midrash Sechal Tov, most people view their birthday as a significant time and celebrate it with a festive meal. Why not do so for Israel?

Perhaps Maimonides is teaching us that we must be prepared to make 180 degree turns so that we are always facing Israel.

Just as we contemplate the past year and strive to improve in the coming year on our personal birthdays, celebrating Israel's 75th birthday provides an opportunity to reflect upon our involvement with Israel over the past year. Did we visit the country, support programs or events that championed Israel, or otherwise engage with the nation in a positive manner?

Studying Torah and teaching others about Judaism also serve as fitting ways to celebrate, after all many sources expound on Israel's spiritual significance, God’s promise of the land to Abraham and the importance of Israel's four Holy Cities. the melbourne jewish report | April 2023

Furthermore, committing to performing a particular good deed to help support Israel and promote peace and kindness can honour the milestone in a practical, impactful way.

While it is wonderful to attend the many exciting events and parties planned to celebrate modern Israel's 75th birthday, let us not lose sight of the occasion's profound significance. Let us take meaningful action to honour the miracle of the Jewish state, which has endured in the face of adversity and continues to shine as a beacon of hope and inspiration to the world. Happy birthday, Israel. May you continue to thrive and serve as a shining light unto the nations.

In recent times, some of us have experienced inner struggles concerning how we relate to Israel, especially while living in a place like Australia. However, what Maimonides teaches us is that the concept of praying towards Israel demands that wherever we face in other aspects of our lives, we must never turn our backs on Israel. Like a relationship with a loved one, difficulties arise and no one is perfect, but we must always appreciate the foundational relationship and invest in growing it, even through the difficulties. Sometimes, we must even be prepared to make 180 degree turns and work through the birth pangs of any new venture.