MASADA WILL NOT FALL AGAIN

Masada is an amazing archeological site, an epic story, and a rallying point around which the country was built. In the early years of the state (and even before) the Jewish inhabitants of the land needed Masada as inspiration and foundation. As the Romans occupied Jerusalem, a group of Jews (often called “the Zealots”) fled here and held out for several years. After the destruction of the temple, the Romans laid siege to Masada and eventually breached the walls. They broke through at night but did not enter and take the hill because in ancient days they did not conduct military operations in darkness. The Jews had that one night to decide what to do. The rest is legendary. Roni told about his father serving in the wars of 48 and 56 – they had a slogan (a commitment) that they will not take me alive. Each man made sure to keep one bullet for himself. Roni went into service in the first Lebanon War and did the same thing as his father. But under fire he faced the reality of that bullet – and he felt how strongly he just wanted to survive and stay alive. He then tells us about Memorial Day on Masada when the sirens go off – he was with a group and had just finished telling the story about those who died for Israel and what they believed when the siren sounded. He immediately thinks of his brother and all the others who died. And he cries - he is NOT a guy who cries easily. At that moment, we heard the thud-thump of a helicopter, looking up to see the IDF attack chopper Roni says, “Masada will not fall again because of this.”

Maybe even more powerful than the helicopters was the naming ceremony for Alex Shapiro on top of Masada. We blessed Alex with the name Rachel bat Leah, a name of beauty, strength, and heritage. Lynn’s words at the close of the ceremony say it all: “When I brought Alex to the American embassy in Moscow 11 years ago, I didn’t think it could ever get any better. When I brought her to Newark for her naturalization as a US citizen, I didn’t think it could get any better. But standing here now, with thanks to all of you, I know it can not possibly get any better than this.” With Gunnar Wainright (just yesterday our bar mitzvah!), Ernie, Perry holding a tallit over her head like a chuppah, Alex re-stated her commitment to Torah and the Jewish people. To participate in such ceremony atop this plateau is to become part of the promise that Masada will not fall gain... because of this too.