Jewish Portal of Teacher Education

Source: Shalom Hartman Institute

Rabbi Donniel Hartman writes about Yom Ha’atzmaut which at its core is a day in which we must learn the art of celebration and giving thanks. A day in which we put aside our self-criticism and aspirations, and connect to the gift that we have, and declare, dayenu. He shares at Israel's 64th birthday for what he is thankful.

• I am thankful for the home that Israel has given me.
• I am thankful for the gift of being able to participate in the building of a Jewish homeland, a place in which Jewishness defines not merely the national identity of the majority of the population but the ideas and values that may shape the public sphere of our lives.
• I am thankful for the gift and challenges of power and the dignity that it affords me.
• I am thankful for our democracy, which despite its challenges and shortcomings is still alive and breathing.
• I am thankful for the perception of stability and the consequent opportunity for hope which, despite all odds, has taken root in our country.
• Finally, I am thankful for the Israelis, an amalgamation of immigrants who despite their ideological and cultural differences create a society of warmth, caring, and spontaneity. There is no one else with whom I would want to share my life.
• Tomorrow we have much work to do, much unfinished business, many challenges and shortfalls which need to be overcome. Today I am thankful.

See the entire post on Rabbi Hartman's blog.