Shema Yisrael
SHEMA YISRAEL- originally posted by Yossi Katz
In the year 132 C.E. the great Jewish General Shimon Bar Kochba led a 3 year revolt for Jewish freedom against the mighty Roman Empire the greatest cause of the revolt was the underlying Jewish desire to be a free people in their own land. General Bar Kochba was supported by the greatest Rabbi in Israel- Rabbi Akiva, whose students became his bravest soldiers. He guerilla tactics out smarted and frustrated the Roman soldiers. Bar Kochba liberated Jerusalem. However 31/2 years later the Romans crushed the revolt killing 600,000 Jews including Bar Kochba. The Romans then outlawed Judaism and renamed the land Palestine. Their goal was to make the world forget the jews ever had a country of their own. Rabbi Akiva and ten other leading Rabbis were later executed in Caesarea. One Rabbi was wrapped in a Torah scroll and burnt at the stake and Rabbi Akiva was raked over with iron combs. As he was tortured he smiled, and his students who were forced to watch his execution asked him why he was smiling. The Rabbi replied "It is written, You shall love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul even when thy soul is taken from thee!" Then Akiva feeling his life slip away cried out the Shema prayer. "HEAR O ISRAEL, THE LORD OUR GOD, THE LORD IS ONE." Akiva died on the word one, but along with Bar Kochba he left our people a legacy of courage, strength and Jewish commitment that fuels are modern day struggle for independence in Israel.
Two thousand years later the courage of Bar Kochba and the spirit of Rabbi Akiva continue to live on in the soldiers of the TZAHAL. In this recent war in Lebanon against the murderous Hezbollah, the soldiers have displayed many acts of bravery and heroism. The most moving story perhaps is of Major Roi Klein, from the settlement of Eli, who was a deputy battalion commander of the 51st Battalion of the Golani Infantry Brigade. Major Klein grew up with a strong Jewish education and he saw his service in TZAHAL as fulfillment to Jewish obligations. On July 26, 2006 a day before his 31st birthday he took part with his unit in the fierce fighting in the Hezbollah stronghold of Bint Jabil. As they cleaned out the terrorist guns nest in house to house fighting, a Hezbollah grenade was thrown at a group of Golani soldiers. It seamed they all faced certain death, when their beloved commander, Roi Klein, screamed "Shema Yisrael-HEAR O ISRAEL THE LORD OUR GOD, THE LORD IS ONE" anf dived on the live grenade. Klein died in the explosion but saved the lives of many soldiers. He died on the word one just like his teacher Rabbi Akiva. Roi Klein was a sensative caring soul who was loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his young wife Sara and his two sons, Gilad (3), and Yoav (6 months old). Klein was buried in the National Military Cemetery on Mt. Hertzl in Jerusalem on July 27, 2006. It was his 31st birthday.
Like with the Bar Kochba revolt, cynical Jews in Israel and abroad will debate the merits of this war and of our national and military leadership for years to come. Of course there will be issues there that need to be investigated and lessons that must be learnt so we can continue our struggle to preserve our freedom in Israel.
It would be wise for us to honor the courage of our youth and the memories of our fallen heros so that their legacy will never die. From Akiva to Roi Klein, it is that very legacy that has been the secret of our survival.