Israel welcomed the Jewish year 5770 last Saturday with somewhat somber but meaningful celebration. Jerusalem Post writer Liat Collins wrote that 5769 was not a "shana toba," or a good year. But thankfully, neither was it the worst. The following is a condensed version of her JP article.
As we mark 70 years since the outbreak of World War II, we know we have much to be grateful for. Primarily, we are still alive. And we now have our own sovereign state. It has too often been ordered around, but nevertheless, it is lively independent and flourishing in nature and deed.