Today is Memorial Day, a day set aside to pay tribute to our American military personnel, past and present, for all that they have given to our country. Unfortunately, we too often forget to take time on this day to remember its original purpose. We have BBQ’s, watch fireworks, go to the beach, or go shopping for great sales. Many of us take a well deserved break from the hectic pace of our lives, and that is okay. But today, let us remember that this break is for a purpose.
Today, let us remind ourselves that the Jewish mitzvah zachor, to remember, means to remember with a sense of purpose and to take action. Remembering the Exodus from Egypt, for example, is for the purpose of bringing God’s presence into the world and making the world a better place. This memory of Egypt is traditionally connected to actions such as observing Shabbat, helping those less fortunate, or working to bring more freedom into the world and into our lives.
It is with all of this in mind that I challenge all of us, on this Memorial Day, to take a moment to remember and then to act. Call someone you know who has served in the military or is currently serving and thank them for their service. Go to a local Memorial Day commemoration http://www.app.com/article/20110525/NJNEWS/305200093/Monmouth-County-Memorial-Day-Events. Or at the least take a moment to recite the following prayer sent to me this week by United Synagogue (below).
May all of us have a meaningful and thoughtful day and may this coming year bring more peace and tranquility into our world.
A PRAYER FOR AMERICA’S MILITARY PERSONNEL
Ribbono Shel Olam! Sovereign of the Universe!
We invoke your blessings upon the members of our American military forces, those brave men and women whose courage and commitment to that for which this country stands protects us all.
Whether by air, land or sea, in the mountains of Afghanistan, the cities and deserts of Iraq, or wherever their orders take them, we ask, dear God, that they be protected within your sheltering presence. Shield them from harm and from pain, assuage their loneliness, and sustain their faith in the face of the formidable enemies that they confront on a daily basis.
May all of their efforts be crowned with victory, and the assurance that we who depend on their courage appreciate and understand the great difficulty of their work.
Most of all, we pray what for all soldiers is the ultimate prayer- that they be privileged to return to the loving arms of their families and a grateful country safely, speedily, and in good health. Because of their courage, may we all be privileged to know and savor the blessings of true peace and security.
Amen.
Rabbi Gerald C. Skolnik The Forest Hills Jewish Center