While 76 years may be a significant amount of time when it comes to an individual’s lifespan, as far as modern nation-states go, the State of Israel is still very young.
Notwithstanding, its culture and symbols have left a lasting impression on the Jewish world and beyond. One such outstanding symbol is the Israeli flag. And the question is: beyond its cultural reach, does the Israeli flag carry religious significance?
For two towering rabbinic figures of the previous generation, the answer is a resounding yes.
Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook (1891-1982), referencing the flags used by the Twelve Tribes in the desert, shared that the modern Israeli flag is filled with “kedusha shel mamash — actual holiness.”
According to Rav Tzvi Yehuda, the modern flag is “the healthy expression of the holiness of the Nation of Israel who recognizes, gives thanks, and blesses over the divine kindnesses upon it.”
For thousands of years, Am Yisrael prayed to return to the Land of Israel. Our ancestors only dreamed of the blessings we enjoy today with an independent state, an army, a flourishing economy, a booming religious life and so much more.
Just as the biblical nation of Israel marked their uniqueness as distinct tribes through flags, so too do we mark our unique national blessings by proudly waving the blue-and-white flag.
Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik (1903-1993) shares a similar appreciation for the flag, albeit shifting the discussion from God’s blessings to the soldiers’ sacrifices on behalf of the land and the nation of Israel.
For Rav Soloveitchik, “[T]he blue and white flag, which has been immersed in the blood of thousands of young Jews who fell in the War of Independence defending the country and the population … has a spark of sanctity that flows from devotion and self-sacrifice. We are enjoined to honor the flag and treat it with respect.”
This is based on a halacha (Jewish law) that one is buried in their clothing of war. Just as battle garments are elevated to a sacred status as a result of sacrifice in combat, so too the flag is attributed to honor in memory of all the sacrifices on behalf of the land.
On a personal level, whenever I see the Israeli flag, I am filled with pride and astonishment. It’s amazing how far we have come in such a short time.
As we celebrate Israel’s birthday this year, let’s wave our flags in thanks for these blessings, and in salute all of those who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice daily for our national freedom, safety and security in the Land of Israel.
Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev serves Pikesville’s Beth Tfiloh Congregation.
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