logo_tm
Newsletter            May 5, 2011 - 1 Iyar 5771
 

   Yom Hazmaut    

 

                

The Day of the Swallow
Sponsored by Leonard Shaykin in Honor of the Yahrtzeit of his father,  

Hillel Eliezer ben Chaim

There was once a flood in an immense forest. The larger animals fled and in their stampede, devastated everything in their path. The smaller animals followed. Suddenly, a small swallow, completely soaked, flew in the opposite direction, looking for someone to save. The hyenas said, "What can you possibly do with that fragile little body?" The vultures groused, "Just look at how tiny you are." Wherever the fragile swallow flew, it was ridiculed. But it continued seeking someone to rescue. Its wings were fluttering wearily when it spied a baby hummingbird thrashing in the water, ready to give up. Despite never having learned to swim, the swallow plunged into the water and, struggling terribly, grabbed the tiny bird in its beak, and flew off. When it returned, it encountered the hyenas, who quickly declared, "This is crazy! You're just trying to be a hero!" But the swallow didn't stop, despite its fatigue, until it deposited the little hummingbird in a safe place. "I only feel worthy of my wings if I make use of them so others can fly." (Augusto Curry)

The founders of the State of Israel were as crazy as the swallow; how could they, a motley crew of Sabras, Holocaust survivors, immigrants from all over the world, possibly hope to build a country of desert, mountains and swamps, surrounded by hundreds of millions of enemies determined to destroy them? Many laughed, "How can you possibly succeed?" Others warned, "Stop trying to be heroes!" They kept on going until they succeeded. It may not be a religious nation. Perhaps it is not as perfect as the Israel for which we prayed for thousands of years, but, they built a country in which people continue to fly into danger so others can fly.

There is no other country in the world in which a single soldier matters so much. Almost five years after his capture, the people of Israel are still trying to save Gilad Schalit. They may debate how much of a price they are willing to pay, but, at least they debate it! Israel went into Lebanon to save kidnapped soldiers. Israeli commandos flew to Entebbe to rescue Jews held hostage. Israelis rushed medical & rescue teams to Haiti after their devastating earthquake, and to Japan after the tsunami. Israel is the swallow, flying in the opposite direction of others who flee when frightened and intimidated, to save the individual, so that he may live and fly.  The "Start Up Nation," thriving despite the constant threat of war, is because we began and continue as the swallow that is committed to make use of its wings so that each human being can have the opportunity to fly in peace and safety.

Yom Ha'atzmaut, the Day of Independence, is also the day on which we remember that this nation is committed to the Atzmaut, the independence of each citizen. It is the Day of the Swallow. It is a day on which we honor God by living according to His challenge to soar and grow.

I pray that God will protect Israel, and continue to empower her to live her vision of a world in which all people have an opportunity to soar to the Heavens and accomplish great things.

Shabbat Shalom, and an soaring Chag,

Rabbi Simcha L. Weinberg
President 
If you are interested in sponsoring our  awardwinning Newsletter, please email [email protected]       
                                                                      Go to our BlogBlog Image
Join Our Mailing List
             Follow us on Twitter  twitter


                 Become a Fan   facebook
The Foundation Stone
www.thefoundationstone.org