It was big news in Westport this past week. The Bible that was used at the inauguration of George Washington, was here local, on display.
I didn’t know much about this Bible, but upon reading of it I discovered that when he was administered the oath of office the President’s hand was on the page of the story of our Patriarch Jacob giving blessings to his children, the 12 tribes from which each of us descend.
The swearing in took place a long time ago —but it pales in comparison to the blessings of Jacob to his progeny which transpired over 3500 years ago. It’s quite wondrous when you think about it.
The miracle of our survival. Or more accurately the miracle(s) of our survival. It isn’t one miracle it’s an infinite series of miracles that have unfolded — each generation experiencing their own subset of miracles.
But the truth is, the biggest miracle of all, is not the physical survival of the Jewish nation rather the spiritual and intellectual survival. It has required tremendous precision, care, and toil to ensure this. The very same Torah with the same reverence, adherence and love for the sacred principles. Mezuza, circumcision , Shabbat, Kosher, Holidays all intact with no sign of erosion. Incredible and miraculous.
The past seven months have been really tough for us all. Our existence has been physically threatened in so many arenas. We are a nation that dwells alone and yet the state of Jewish life has never been stronger. Jewish pride and identity are stronger than ever. Star of David necklaces sales, Mezuza purchases, Tefillin laying & Shabbat candle lighting are at all time highs. No, we’ve been physically attacked but the soul of who we are has been polished.
Whether the actual page that the Bible was open to for George Washington’s oath was deliberate or not, we may never know. One thing is for sure however, the blessings from our Forefather Jacob — also named Yisrael — are stronger than ever. The nation of Yisrael and the land of Yisrael have endured, prospered, been challenged and overcome. This is our history. Our story. Our lives. Together, we constitute the greatest miracles of all times the miracle called Israel!
With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom,