On Wednesday, June 15 the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama spoke at the AIPAC, American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Surrounding his long campaign has been the question on many Jewish voters’ minds: is Barack Obama good for the State of Israel? He has been criticized for saying he would talk with leaders of hostile nations such as Ahmadinejad and the policy has questioned his commitment to Israel. During his speech Obama stated that the War in Iraq has made Iran stronger and the United States and Israel less secure. Obama said that he “will never compromise when it comes to Israel’s security”. During his speech Obama showed his commitment to protecting America and Israel from foreign threats. Hopefully now that Obama has throughout his campaign has pledged his support to the state of Israel, Jewish voters will be able to make the choice of who to vote for based on other issues besides for Israel. It is also interesting to note that Hilary Clinton, a candidate that many Jews thought would be a good friend to Israel, told the audience at the conference that Obama “will be a good friend to Israel”.
Filed under: opinion, religion | Tags: Hallel, Israel, posted by sjw141, Praise, Rabbi Alex Israel, Yom Haatzmaut
This evening marks the change from Yom Hazikaron (The Day of Rememberance for all who have fallen for the protection of Israel) to Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day). In celebration of this tremendous occasion, I urge everyone to attend a celebration, a concert, a street fair, or any event to commemorate this wonderful day.
In light of this special day, the deabte often ensues about whether or not Jews should say Hallel (the special additional verses of praise to God that is added to the morning prayers). There is further debate about whether to say it with a blessing or sans blessing, and there are even issues with whether or not to say a complete Hallel.
In Rabbi Alex Israel’s article entitled “Yom Ha’aztmaut and the Obligation of Praise,” he comes to following conclusion:
So say Hallel. With a bracha, without a bracha. You don’t want to recite those perakim? – choose other perakim. But stand before God, and feel the emotion of gratitude, and express it in the classic religious manner – recite Hallel, dance and sing, praise God with a seudat Mitzva.
On this occasion of Israel’s sixtieth…
“Hodu Lashem ki Tov, Ki Leolam Chasdo!”
“Give thanks to Lord, for He is good, for His loving-kindness endures forever.”
