I am back from my trip to Israel, and it was amazing! While there will be time to discuss the trip in detail with you, suffice it to say it was tough to leave. So many wonder how I can so enthusiastically take my family to Israel at this time. The lack of Americans traveling to Israel this summer, which is characteristically overflowing with visitors, tells me this perspective is unfortunately widespread. So, how do I respond?
The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, Re'eh. There, Moshe continues his address to the Jewish people, emphasizing the importance of the land of Israel, which will serve as a place of joy and jubilation for them. Did Moshe not know what was to come in the future? Had he not prophesized of the death and destruction that would come to pass when the Jewish people failed to heed G-d's word?
The answer lies in the word Simcha and its essential role in Jewish life. Simcha means joy, not happiness, which is a personal feeling but joy, something only felt when celebrated with others. The Jewish people are told throughout the Book of Devarim of the importance of joy in our service to G-d. Why? Joy isn't the absence of pain and suffering but rather the knowledge that through connection, I can overcome anything, no obstacle can stand in my way, and no tragedy can destroy me because I am more than just one person. I am a part of the Jewish people, and we're all directly connected to our creator. This is the Jewish people's story and why Simcha, joy, is critical to our survival and success.
Now, you might understand what Moshe meant when he foretold that Israel would be the ultimate source of Joy for the Jewish people—not despite the painful tragedies she should experience but because of them. Israel, more than any other place in the world, is a source of joy because there, one can feel the ultimate sense of connection to our divine creator and each other, our Mishpacha. For this reason, the people of Israel continue to be joyful, hopeful, resilient, and strong in the face of unimaginable tragedy. The land fosters a connection and a joy that can overcome anything.
When Dina and I decided to take our family to Israel this summer, we hoped our children might feel this joy, and we were overjoyed that they did. Yes, we were confronted with many painful, sad, heartbreaking moments, but through it all, we felt joy! Now, we come back to Tampa overflowing with love for our people and our homeland and a simple message. Go! Go to Israel and feel the joy; bring your love and support for the land and its people, and you will be rewarded with unbridled Simcha like nowhere else on earth.
Mission: Get Joyful. Get connected. Get to Israel.