20 Sept 23
High Holy Days
In Judaism, Rosh Hashanah, “Jewish New Year,” and Yom Kippur, “Day of Atonement,” and the ten days between them, “Ten Days of Repentance (Aseret Yemei Teshuvah), are know as “High Holy Days” on the Jewish calendar. There are other important Hebrew holidays, such as Passover, but the two mentioned above are among the most universally observed/celebrated.
This year, Rosh Hashanah fell on 15-17 Sept, and Yom Kippur falls on 24-25 Sept.
Among “serious” Jews, this is a solemn time!
It is also a time of great concern for Israeli security forces and police, in Israel itself and among Jewish communities around the world, as anti-Jewish factions often launch terrorist attacks, specifically designed to harm innocent, unsuspecting Jews, during this period.
Accordingly, my advice to Jewish friends is usually to stay far away from religious services/observances and facilities during this time, but of course that defeats the whole purpose!
For that matter, Christians during the “Christian Holiday Season” at the end of December, are well-served by the same advice, but of course there is the same problem.
So for Christians and Jews determined to practice/observe their religion, remaining constantly alert, aware, staying away from large “gatherings” as much as possible (particularly those with religious/political overtones), and routinely going armed represents the next-best strategy.
No guarantees, either way!
On that theme, Israel Police spokesperson, Commander Eli Levi, recently assured Israeli citizens that his security forces are now on high alert at “key locations,” as one might expect.
However, far more significantly Levi strongly suggested Jewish citizens carry guns during the current High Holy Days, for their own protection, even in “places of prayer and family entertainment!”
He also cautioned citizens not to harbor illegal immigrants!
This is amazing!
Imagine a government official who actually cares enough about the people he serves to encourage them to take individual measures, including carrying guns, in order to protect themselves and their families.
We surely see precious little of that over here among our public officials, who spend most of their time (and our money) “serving and protecting” themselves, as noted in my last Quip!
Netanyahu’s Administration has been the recipient of much criticism, maybe some of it deserved, but the man obviously loves his people, as genuine people, not just inanimate/expendable sources of votes and tax dollars!
Can you imagine an American police chief, mayor, or governor, while standing between armed bodyguards, issuing the same advice to American citizens whom he or she supposedly “serves?”
Levi and Netanyahu are heroes in my book..
Oh, that we had their equal over here!
/John
