Today is July 4, Independence Day in the USA.
Today is also Day 272.
A day we pray for the independence of our brothers and sisters who are trapped in Gaza, trapped behind the gates the terrorists have imprisoned them behind.
We want to celebrate their independence so desperately.
We know miracles happen. They have happened to the Jewish people from time immemorial.
48 years ago on this day, we witnessed such a miracle.
On July 4,1976, 100 Israeli commandos, were able to rescue 100 hostages who were being held at the airport in Entebbe.
The story is a miracle in our times.
This past week was also the 5th Yahrzeit, anniversary, of the passing of a great educator and mentor of thousands.
Rabbi David Trenk ztzl believed in miracles too.
He believed in the miracle that is you!
He would focus on the strengths of each person to the degree that they would start to believe in themselves and overcome the adversity that might be holding them back in any way.
There are hundreds of stories told by his students regarding this trait of positivity and how his outlook changed their outlook on themselves and how others viewed them.
Rabbi Trenk would take his car to a mechanic. There was another regular customer who frequented the same mechanic, a trucker, who was apparently extremely intimidating. Whenever he entered the mechanic’s shop everyone took a step back. Once Rabbi Trenk happened to be there when this burly gentleman came in. Within a moment he jumped up, hugged the man and said “my brother it’s so nice to meet you”.
The man literally melted before everyone’s eyes. He was so touched.
Afterwards one of the other customers asked Rabbi Trenk, why he called him “my brother”, after all, he was anything but.
Rabbi Trenk replied, he is my brother, did you not see the Magen David necklace he was wearing?
The truth is no one did see it.
They saw the persona of a truck driver. They couldn’t see beyond. No one else saw who he really was.
This week’s Torah portion is called Korach.
It speaks of jealousy amongst “brothers” that goes terribly wrong.
In the portion is a verse where Gd says to Aaron
“bring close, your brothers, the Levites, they will assist you and they will serve you”.
Rashi, the Torah commentary, explains what the role of the Levites, would be in the sanctuary and later on in the Temple.

The Levites played two major roles.
First they were the gatekeepers. They would be positioned at the entry points of the holy sites of the Tabernacle and later the Temple.
It was their job to protect and guard that beyond a certain point only the Cohanim or Priests would proceed. But they were also the main point of contact for all those who were coming to worship or bring sacrifices. While it would be the Priests who were doing the service, it was the Levites who would greet and bid goodbye to the petitioners, they would leave a lasting impact on those who were coming to the holy site.
They had to see everyone, and make everyone feel seen, so that the impact of the visit would not be diminished by a disrespectful gesture of welcome or departure which could negatively color the whole experience. It was their job to exude positivity.
The Levites were also the masters of song. They were the singers and the chorus in the Temple.
So the roles the Levites played are very important.
Every time the Jewish people would come to worship it was the Levites who safeguarded and protected the Temple while at the same time beautifying the services within.
Their presence is what made going to the Temple a safe and uplifting experience.
I am in Israel visiting my mother.
The mood is subdued, but the mission is clear. Everyday we seem to hear of another devastating loss of a young father or a young son who has given up his life defending our nation.
They go with such bravery and courage, determined to protect us all, to be the guardians of the gates, no matter the cost.
My brother in law is doing reserve duty for the army. He had a day off yesterday and we took the opportunity to go out to dinner as a family.
As is the rule, since he is in reserve duty, he brought his M-16 with him. My sister told me that if he disassembles it he actually doesn’t need to bring the gun. When she mentioned that to him he answered
“My job is to protect my people now, that doesn’t stop”.
It’s no coincidence that the Torah reminds us now that we are brothers, and that our job is to protect one another, see one another, bring inspiration and uplift to one another.
That was the message of Rabbi Trenk whose message was to look at those in your orbit and don’t just recognize them, sing their praises. Sing those praises until they sing their own praises, love them until they love themselves.
That’s the key that will ultimately bring our brothers and sisters in captivity home, and that key will unlock the gates to the future spiritual haven of the times of Redemption with the building of the Third Temple.
That’s the Independence we are praying for on this Day.
Shabbat Shalom and so much love!