As the people in Israel tentatively emerge from the shadow of Covid-19, there is an ancient Jewish story connected with this time of year. It dates back to the Roman period but it has taken on new relevance in 2020:
Our story takes place nearly 2000 years ago in the years that followed Judaism's darkest hour, the destruction of the 2nd Jewish Temple by the Romans. One of the greatest rabbis of that era, (if not all time) Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, together with his son Elazar, were forced to flee from a Roman death sentence. They hid in a cave in the foothills of Mount Hermon, in Israel's far north, where they would spend 12 years in total isolation. They existed on a meagre diet of carobs and water, spending their days in prayer and bible study.
Finally, word reached them of the death of Emperor Hadrian, nullifying the sentences against them. They emerged emaciated and weak from their isolation. There are many fantastical stories told about what happened to them when they stepped into the light, but what is clear is that they initially struggled to live in the world beyond their cave. It was a world where people were not exclusively focused on the spiritual but on the physical - raising their families, working their fields, and selling their wares - trying to make a living under Roman occupation with its accompanying anti-Jewish sentiment. Rabbi Shimon and his son returned to their cave for another year, perhaps gradually re-acclimatizing themselves to a more worldly existence.
After leaving the cave a second time, the two scholars settled in the Galilee town of Meron. From there they become known as the preeminent Torah scholars of that generation. Rabbi Shimon would continue teaching in Meron for some years until his death on the minor Jewish festival of Lag b'Omer. This day marks the 33rd day of counting between the festivals of Passover and Pentecost (Leviticus 23:9–21). And Lag b'Omer 2020 falls coincidentally on May 12th, as Israel at last releases its citizens from their two month Covid-19 lockdown.
Like Rabbi Shimon, people in Israel are tentatively emerging from their "Coronavirus caves", discovering the “new normal”. The government is finally starting to ease the draconian economic and social shutdown that has paralyzed all aspects of Israeli life for almost 2 months. Israelis may now venture beyond a 330 foot limit from their front doors; Shops are reopening; cafes and restaurants are now open for take-out service; The trains are running a limited service; synagogues are holding some services (outside, for a maximum of 19 people socially distanced and masked) and most importantly of all, schools are finally opening, although only for grades 1-3. Masks are still compulsory and life feels far from normal with parks, beaches, theaters, professional sport and so many other aspects of normal life still shuttered. Daycare and preschools also remain closed for at least another week and other school grades until June, making it impossible for many Israelis to go back to work. And of course, for those people most at risk: the elderly and people with underlying conditions, this restarting of day to day life presents increased risks.
So just as Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai experienced all those years ago, Israelis are leaving their caves with trepidation, confusion, and justifiable worries. Money is scarce, personal debt at record levels. A quarter of the population is currently unemployed and for two months they have only been receiving a percentage of what had been their monthly wage. There has been limited government support for small businesses and many sectors are facing a long struggle to return to normalcy. Just as it must have for Rabbi Shimon and Elazar, it feels to many like they are emerging from a long period of darkness into a harsh bright light. The fears of Covid-19 resurging are very real, as are the worries about making ends meet.
And Israel’s foes have not let a mere global pandemic dampen their enthusiasm for destroying the Jewish state. Hezbollah have been threatening northern communities, and in the last few days rockets have been fired from Gaza on Israel’s south.
This is where the “Love Israel” initiative can make a huge difference. Through our Love Israel Packages, we can mobilize supporters of Israel throughout the world not only to strengthen their connection to the Holy Land and to help counter the aggression of all those seeking to harm the country but products that our supporters' purchase creates a vital market at this very challenging economic time, for the business owners and their families that we work with.
When you subscribe to the Love Israel website you are directly supporting Israeli entrepreneurship, creativity and crafts. You are at the same time undermining the bigotry and fanaticism that would see these remarkable, talented people lose their livelihoods. And of course, you will enjoy unique high-quality products from the Land of Israel delivered to your home every month in a gift box, to thank your support in the project and in local businesses. These beautiful items will enhance your home and intimately connect your life to the Holy Land.