Israel Remembrance Day

Tonight is יום הזיכרון, where we remember our fallen soldiers from various wars. It is a very heavy day as we pay tribute to those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives so that the Jewish people would have a secure Homeland.

I am reminded of King David in the first chapter of Shmuel II, how he laments the fall of King Shaul and his three sons. (His best friend Jonathan among them.) Some of the verses are exceptionally beautiful at expressing the loss we feel today for our modern day heroes.

A few examples: "O precious One of Israel, how have the mighty fallen? Saul and Jonathan, beloved and pleasant in their lives, and in their death not parted. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions. How have the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle? Jonathan, slain upon your heights? I am distressed over you my brother Jonathan; you were so pleasant to me! Your love was more wondrous to me than the love of women! How have the mighty fallen and the weapons of war gone to waste?

May the memory of the fallen on this solemn day be for blessing and may we no longer need to spill the blood of our people.

Yesterday was nineteen with ספירת העומר.