To sing or not to sing Hatikva, not the question

Michael Rootshtain

How does he/she know what affect prayers and psalms have on the well-being of Israel and its citizens?

I am unashamedly and unequivocally a very strong supporter of the State of Israel. And yet, I am somewhat ambivalent about singing Hatikva.

My personal reason is the exclusion of Hashem. A proud declaration that the greatness of Hatikvah is that Hashem is not mentioned and therefore, even the secular can appreciate it negates those who believe that the State and the miracles we have witnessed are direct Divine intervention?

Raising the Israeli flag has never been a problem. To equate not singing Hatikva with not recognising the State of Israel is ludicrous. To accuse the frum community of not recognising the State is shameful and mischievous. To doubt the commitment of the Chief Rabbi to the State of Israel is beyond the absurd.

I have no idea whether the Chief Rabbi, or for that matter the rest of the “frum” community sing or don’t sing Hatikva. It’s not my business. My guess is that it is mixed. I don’t know the reasons for those who sing or don’t sing it.

I hold that our only hope is a belief in Hashem and in the unity of the Jewish people. If our only hope is an anthem which excludes the role of Hashem, perhaps we are lost. I, and many others, pray every day for the State of Israel and its citizens. I believe that that is more important than singing Hatikva at special functions.

If we ignore Hashem’s hand and if we try to damage that unity, we are asking for trouble. I have no problem in you singing Hatikva. Please let those who also support the State, choose their path with your understanding and without your vilification. Remember, those who hate any part of the Jewish people, hate Jews.

Highlands North, Johannesburg