Chief Rabbi Israel Brodie, in a communication to ministers of synagogues throughout Great Britain, said that it would be appropriate to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day, and at the same time, to take note of those who fell in the battle for independence and the victims of Nazi brutality.
Rabbi Brodie’s communication said “representations have been made to me from many quarters in recent years, that it would be appropriate for us to be associated in a fitting manner with a religious celebration of Independence Day in Israel. I am satisfied that this is the general view of Anglo-Jewry and I have accordingly decided that this is the general view of Anglo-Jewry and I have accordingly decided that the anniversary of Israel’s independence should be an occasion for rejoicing and thanksgiving to the Almighty for all his mercies to the remnant of Israel. At the same time, it is but fitting on that day to recall the memory of those who fell in the battle for independence, as well as the victims of Nazi brutality who were denied the blessing of witnessing the ‘beginning of redemption.”
The Chief Rabbi then went on to request that special psalms and prayers be recited on the Sabbath preceding Independence Day, and that “Adon Olam” be sung to the tune of “Hatikvah.” He also asked that special services be held by synagogues on Independence Day eve and that in communities where there is more than one congregation joint services be arranged.
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