Recently Rabbi Elliot Schrier of Bnai Yeshurun gave his Shabbos Shuva lecture entitled, “Hearing the Call of Jewish History.” Quoting many sources, he said that we are living in one of the most important times in Jewish history, and one of the best times for Am Yisroel. We are in a time of Geulah, of redemption, a time before the Mashiach, a special time. That we are joining the ranks of Jewish history and must participate, with time, money and energy. We have the privilege to live in a time when we can fight and stand up for ourselves with dignity. These are days of greatness where Israel rises like a lion, standing tall and strong in the face of our enemies. Citing Rav Soloveichik’s 1956 address, “Kol Dodi Dofek, The Voice of My Beloved Knocks,” he said that it is written in the present tense. These are manifestations of God’s Providential Hand knocking on our doors. The questions are: do we hear it? And how do we respond?
Israel needs us. We all need to participate, to contribute, to be part of Jewish history. Israel needs our tourism, our volunteerism, our financial help, even our aliyah.
Where will you be taking vacation? I’ll be going to Israel.
