We are the Children of Israel
When our patriarch Jacob was preparing to defend himself from his brother Esau, he was attacked by an angel (Genesis chapter 32). Enduring a whole evening of wrestling Jacob succeeded in overcoming his opponent. This messenger of God asks to be released, but Jacob demands a blessing. The angel says "Jacob will not be said as your name anymore, but Israel, for you wrestled with God and with people, and have prevailed!"
We are Jacob’s descendants. We are the children of Israel. We are the descendants of a people that has wrestled with an innumerable amount of opponents, tests and hurdles. We, the children of Israel, have been challenged, knocked down at times, but have always stood up again. Having just returned from Israel, I could not cease to be amazed at how inspiring our brothers and sisters there continue to be as an example of what resiliency means. As my wife and I toured around the country, being at the North and South of the country, we were amazed to witness the inner strength and formidable spirit that despite all challenges and difficulties, Israelis display day in and day out. The challenges they face are enormous and still they approach each day with strength and determination. It is the strength of spirit that enables a Jewish person to confront danger with firmness. It is the personal bravery that enabled Jacob to become Israel.
As I am writing these words, today is Tisha B’Av, the 9th Day of the month of Av. It is the most tragic day in the Hebrew calendar, as it especially commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Jewish Temples in Jerusalem. Even though the mood of our people has had it’s share of gloomy days, it has remained firm and hopeful. Down but not out. Rosh Hashanah is not far away and the dawn of 5785 is calling on us all to stand up. To be Israel. To wrestle with everything coming our way and not to give up. The call of father Jacob is that we can. That call applies to all aspects of life. For some of us, that is a reminder to reach out to those with whom we have been estranged from. For some of us, that call is telling us to stand up and help others in need. For some of us, that call is prompting us to give ourselves (and others) new opportunites, as we open a new page. For some of us, that call is a call to open a new page in the “Sefer Hachayim”, in the Book of Life. Yesterday is behind us but not forgotten. Today we stand up again, inspired by the eternal call of the Almighty, reminding us all that we are The Children of Israel!
May the New Year bring us all a Shanah Tovah that is filled with all that is good indeed.
