“Baruch Dayan HaEmet – blessed are You, the true judge.”

Today is my grandmother’s funeral. Later, I will need to say to my father, grandfather, and uncle who will sit shiva:

“Hamokom Yenachem … May ‘The Place’ – the Omnipresent – comfort  (console) you among the other mourners of Tzion (Zion) and Yerusholayim.”

Today is also Yom Ha’atzmaut, which celebrates 63 years of Israel’s independence. I am happy for Israel and us as a Jewish people that we have the safety of our land, yet still today is a sad day for me. As happy as it is for those who celebrate Israel, we are still in exile. Even the people in Israel on the Jewish festivals say in their prayers; “because of our sins we have been exiled from our land.”

I will console the mourners by offering them consolation amongst all the mourners of Tzion and Yerusholayim. What is the connection and why should this bring them comfort?

Mentioning Israel brings the mourners comfort. Even after mourning for 2,000 years, we the Jewish people have never lost hope. We believe that we will one day return to the glory of Jerusalem. With this will come the resurrection of the dead, as our prophets have promised that the dead will come back to life in the Messianic era. This brings comfort, that as painful as it is now, it is only temporary.

(photo by Yaacov Bauer)

Further, The Romans may have destroyed the buildings of Jerusalem, but they could never touch its Jewish spirit and inner holiness. None of our enemies can ever touch the spirit of Jerusalem. So to, the passing of a loved one will stay with us in spirit. We may no longer see them, yet we can still sense their presence. This brings some comfort to know that we are never truly apart.

Grandma, you are greatly missed by your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Your love for us is eternal, and we will carry it always. Please G-d may the almighty bring the Moshiach speedily in our days and may we celebrate with you in Jerusalem. May this day of Yom Ha’atzmaut become a day the entire world will rejoice.