Bergenfield—The Bais Medrash of Bergenfield (BMOB) welcomed American-born member of the Knesset (MK) Rabbi Dov Lipman on Sunday night. BMOB hoped to inject a “pep talk” in preparation for a painful Tisha B’av commemoration in the middle of Israel’s war with Gaza.
Rabbi Moshe Stavsky, the Rabbi of BMOB, introduced MK Lipman as an inspiration for the American olim of Israel, an example how far one can go in the Jewish State. Lipman was born and raised in Silver Spring, MD, Rabbi Lipman and his wife fell in love with the Holy Land on a school trip, and they decided to make aliyah in one of the first Nefesh B’Nefesh groups in 2004. Lipman initially taught at different post-High School yeshivot, before resolving to go into politics. He had seen extremism in his new home city of Bet Shemesh, and wanted to promote his vision of religious coexistence and mutual respect on a national level. He now serves as a member of the 19th Knesset, as part of the primarily secular Yesh Atid party, and has been a strong advocate for religious rights and benefits for new olim.
Rabbi Lipman spoke about the pain that the Jewish People have been feeling recently, but he emphasized the greatness of our newfound unity. “On Tisha B’av, we mourn the loss of the Bet Hamikdash (Temple),” he said to the sizeable crowd who came to hear him, “In order to merit its rebuilding, we must have unity. This year we’ve seen unity as never before—people who until last month were fighting over army service and drafting, suddenly put aside their differences to worry about the three boys… There have even been Tehilim (prayer) sessions in the largely secular Knesset, and we’ve all managed to complete a Seder Mishnayot in their memory.” Lipman concluded his remarks by again reminding the audience of the power of prayer and harmony. The Yesh Atid member expressed his hope that, if this unity continues, it could very well be the key to our continued national strength and fulfillment in a more peaceful future.
By Tzvi Silver
