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| click here for an article titled "The Flag of Israel: Facts, Symbol, & Meaning |
today (April 22, 2026) is Yom Haatzmaut (yom ha-atz-ma-oot) in Israel, our Independence Day! the holiday was established on May 14th, 1948, which according to the Jewish calendar was Iyar 5, 5708.
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| flag of Rishon LeZion, circa 1882 |
our people have been using a lunar calendar for the past 5,786 years and is the reason why our holidays seem to 'move around' according to the internationally recognized Gregorian calendar, that we also (obviously) use.
yesterday was Yom HaZikaron - our Memorial Day - established in 1963, because we choose to acknowledge that our freedom comes at the loss of too many of our brave soldiers and people, all of whom we honor with the highest respect, as we wouldn't be able to celebrate our independence without their sacrifice. the sirens that are used to warn us of incoming rocket and missile attacks are sounded for one minute in the evening to mark the beginning of the mourning period, and again for two minutes in the morning; for the duration of the sirens, all activities cease and no one moves.
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| Zionist Congress flag, 1899 |
while there was an earlier version of our flag created in 1891, and several other designs proposed along the way, the current version we know and love was officially adopted a few months after our independence was established, and was inspired by the 'tallit' - the prayer shawl - worn by men, and some women, during religious services.
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| traditional tallit |
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| click here to read all of this week's contributions! |
generously hosted by Denise Farley of GirlieOnTheEdge
Thank you for sharing, I learned a few things and I like learning new things.
ReplyDeleteyou're very welcome, and thanks for visiting!
Deletei find the celebrations moving.... that everyone stops and lifts a prayer for those whose lives were lost in the purpose of bringing a state into existence... i did not know there were two separate holidays... i knew about the memorial day for the holocaust.... i am humbled and in awe... to be a witness to the glory of our Father...
ReplyDeleteYom HaShoah - the day for Holocaust remembrance - was last week (April 13), then came Yom HaZikaron (April 20), followed by Yom Haatzmaut (April 21). it's two separate days of solemnity followed by one of celebration. and yes, it's a moving tribute that is one thing to witness from afar, and another thing to be here experiencing in person, which was new for me.
Deleteand thanks for your visit and comment!
DeleteI too have learned from your Six. It's important to remember those who gave their lives/sacrificed for a cause greater than themselves. Independence is never not hard fought to achieve anywhere.
ReplyDeleteYou use both lunar and Gregorian calendars. How interesting!
my dad was one of the paratroopers that helped liberate Jerusalem in 1967; this country meant everything to him, and he taught me to honor his brothers-in-arms who gave their lives for it. and as for the calendars, I think it's cool, too, though can sometimes be confusing as to when our holidays begin and end!
Deleteand thanks for your visit and comment!
DeleteI just looked up how to say it properly: Yom Ha'atzmaut Sameach (יום העצמאות שמח) . Have a blessed holiday!
ReplyDeleteI just realized my comment was sent anonymously, so just wanted to let you know who sent it.
Deletethank you so much Frank! I appreciate your effort to send that sentiment in Hebrew along with your visit and comment!
DeleteI leave wiser than when I arrived. Such an interesting and informative piece, thank you.
ReplyDeleteyou're very welcome, Keith - I appreciate your visit and comment!
DeleteA National flag *should* represent the People. Interesting snippet of meaning and history!
ReplyDeletethank you - I learned a few things myself while writing about our flag! I appreciate your visit and comment ~
DeleteI do know a little about the holidays, but I did not know what inspired the flag. It is beautiful to learn why it is as it is.
ReplyDeleteTo have the whole nation stop in silence is a wonderful practice.
I am praying for the peace of Jerusalem, it would be nice if those sirens only ever sounded again for this purpose.
yes, that would be nice. thanks for your visit and comment!
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