Celebrating Israel's Independence Day: A Time to Reflect and Rejoice!

Dear Readers,

It is with great excitement and pride that we wish you a happy Israel Independence Day! This momentous occasion marks the  anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. It is a time to reflect on the historical significance of this event and celebrate the achievements of the Israeli people.

Israel's journey to independence was not easy. It was a dream cherished by generations of Jews who longed for a homeland where they could live in peace and freedom. The establishment of the State of Israel was a monumental milestone in Jewish history, and it brought hope and renewed possibilities to the Jewish people around the world.

Since its founding, Israel has achieved remarkable progress in various fields, including technology, agriculture, medicine, and culture. Its contributions to the global community are numerous and continue to impact the world positively. Israel has also faced its share of challenges and has shown unwavering resilience in the face of adversity.

Israel Independence Day is a time for celebration and unity. Across Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide, people come together to commemorate this special day with joyous festivities. Parades, concerts, dances, and other cultural events showcase the rich heritage and diversity of Israel, and create an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

On this occasion, let us also acknowledge the importance of peace, coexistence, and understanding among all people. Israel's quest for peace and its efforts towards building a brighter future for its citizens and the region deserve recognition and support. It is a time to reflect on the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding among different cultures and faiths.

As we celebrate Israel Independence Day, let us take a moment to honor the sacrifices, achievements, and aspirations of the Israeli people. It is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a brighter future. Happy Israel Independence Day!

With heartfelt congratulations,

Dina Lewin Feller, Bluenoemi 

Meaningful Gifts

If you're looking to commemorate Israel Independence Day with meaningful gifts, here are some ideas:

Israeli Flag Merchandise: Show your support for Israel's independence by gifting items that feature the Israeli flag, such as flags, banners, pins, or clothing with the flag's design. It's a simple yet powerful way to express solidarity with Israel.

Israeli Art or Craftwork: Israel is known for its rich artistic and cultural heritage. Consider gifting Israeli art or craftwork, such as paintings, sculptures, jewelry, or pottery, which often reflect the country's history, traditions, and vibrant culture.

Israeli Books or Literature: Israel has a rich literary tradition with renowned authors and poets. Gift a book by an Israeli author or a piece of Israeli literature that tells the story of Israel's journey to independence, its history, or its diverse culture.

Israeli Food or Beverages: Israel is known for its delicious culinary delights, such as olive oil, spices, dates, honey, and wine. Gift Israeli food or beverages to celebrate Israel's independence and indulge in the flavors of the region.

Judaica Items: Judaica refers to items that are used in Jewish religious observance or that have cultural significance. Gift Judaica items such as a Menorah, a Mezuzah, a Star of David necklace, or a Kiddush cup, which hold special meaning in Jewish tradition and are associated with Israel's heritage.

Israeli Music or Films: Israel has a vibrant music and film scene. Gift Israeli music albums, CDs, or DVDs of Israeli movies or documentaries that showcase the country's culture, history, or contemporary life.

Charity Donations: Consider making a donation to a charity or organization that supports Israel or Israeli causes as a meaningful gift. This could include charities that promote peace, education, healthcare, or social welfare in Israel.

Remember, the most important thing about a gift is the thought and meaning behind it. No matter what you choose, a gift that honors Israel's independence and its rich heritage will surely be appreciated by those who cherish the country's history and culture.

Israeli silver jewels.

• 1.5 heaped T-spoons of coffee to a cup of water
• Bring to boil while watching the pot. (Do not let over boil.)
• Let simmer for a few seconds while adding sugar to taste. (Do not add the sugar prior to this!!). Pour carefully.

• Put 1 spoon of turquish coffe in a mug.
• Pour on it boiling water and mix.

What does coffee mean in Israel?
"Coffee is like a fingerprint because we each take it so differently: in a large or small cup, glass or mug, with/without milk or just a drop, sweetened or no sugar, strong or weak, it really doesn't matter.
At the same time, coffee is the biggest common denominator we have with billions of people around the world waking up to its awesome aroma every day.
On a personal level, coffee is the answer that reacts right away and motivates us by providing strength, energy and renewal. It is a powerful desire, a yearning that cannot be denied.
Coffee is the experience happening right now and it continues to wash over each and every one of us that have already experienced everything and want more.
Coffee is a way to learn about new cultures, new people and new tastes from around the world.
When we drink coffee we want to continue to experience, taste, respond and create more and more new moments. Coffee moments.
You can enjoy them too at home with a cup of Turkish coffeee from Israel!

Israel Symbols

David Wolffsohn, who attended the First Zionist Congress in 1897, tells the story of the birth of the Israeli flag:

“At the request of our leader Herzl, I came to Basle to make preparations for the Zionist Congress. Among many other problems that occupied me then was one, which contained something of the essence of the Jewish problem. What flag would we hang in the Congress Hall? Then an idea struck me. We have a flag — and it is blue and white. The Tallit (prayer shawl) with which we wrap ourselves when we pray: that is our symbol. Let us take this Tallit from its bag and unroll it before the eyes of Israel and the eyes of all nations. So I ordered a blue and white flag with the Shield of David painted upon it. That is how the national flag, which flew over Congress Hall, came into being. The blue stripes above and below the Magen David remind us of the Tallit. When we see the Israeli flag, we remember the faith and the prayers of the many generations of Jews who longed for the return to their homeland.”

Magen David  

The Magen David is a traditional symbol of Judaism. The star is made up of two triangles, one right-side up and the other upside down. One of them points upward toward all that is spiritual and holy. The other one points downward — toward all that is earthly and secular. By leading a life of Torah and mitzvot the Jew strives to bring together the worlds of spiritual and the earthly, the worlds of the holy and the secular. Legend tells us that David the king of Israel adorned his shield with this six-pointed star, thus the star is named the Magen David.

Israel Seal

The Israeli seal reminds us of a very sad story that happened a long time ago. In the year of 70 CE, a Roman general, named Titus, captured the city of Jerusalem, and his armies savagely destroyed the Holy Temple. They seized the golden Temple Menorah. To shame their unfortunate Jewish prisoners, Roman soldiers forced them to parade in chains through the streets of Rome carrying the captured Temple Menorah. The Romans felt so proud of this triumph that they pictured the event on a monument called the Arch of Titus. Today, the Arch of Titus still stands in Rome, and the picture of the Menorah can still be seen. To the Romans, the story celebrated might and triumph, but to the Jewish people the story told the worst humiliation: the loss of independence in our homeland.

After almost two thousand years and much agony and bloodshed, the modern State of Israel reestablished the Jewish Homeland. Although the Temple and the Menorah were not actually rebuilt, The Jews felt that in a symbolic way, the Menorah had been saved from its ancient disgrace and restored to its original glory. The Jewish dream of independence and return has finally come true.

The Olive Branches

The prophet Zechariah, who lived in the sixth century had a vision. He saw a golden seven branched menorah flanked by two olive trees. Our Rabbis interpreted this vision to mean that the Temple and the State of Israel would someday be restored to their former glory. Also, olive branches are symbols of peace.