If I was a flag this year, I’d be tired. I’d be so worn out from working all this overtime with the relentless multi-tasking and identity-switching. I wouldn’t know whether I’m coming or going. I guess I’m happy not to be a flag this year.
Nevertheless, as an Oleh, there is still nothing as powerful as seeing an Israeli flag flying. When living in the Diaspora, the sight of the Israeli flag always inspired an immense sense of identity, pride and belonging. As ‘spiritual guests’ in foreign lands, we would courageously wave our flags together, especially on Yom Haatzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim, proclaiming, “We are here, we are strong, we are proud and we matter!”
After this year of excessive waving, you may not be surprised to discover that our flag-bearing roots are deep and ancient.
The Tribes of Bnei Yisrael are adorned with flags in our Parsha. The Midrash explains, “Hashem loved us with great affection when He made flags for us… How do we know that this was a show of love for Bnei Yisrael? Shlomo Hamelech said, ‘He brought me to the banquet room, and His banner (דגלו) of love was over me’. (Shir Hashirim)”.
The Midrash describes how our passion for flags was born at Matan Torah. “When Hashem was revealed on Har Sinai, 22 myriads of angels came down with him… and they all had flags… Bnei Yisrael began desiring flags… Hashem said, ‘That you desire to make flags, I will absolutely fulfil your request’. Immediately Hashem told Moshe to make flags for them, as they desired.”
Flags show passion. We wave flags to proclaim, identify, affiliate, and stand proud. The first time we, as Jews, waved flags, was because we desperately desired to emulate the angels in proudly showcasing their unique missions in the united service of the Creator.
The way to sanctify Hashem’s Name in this world takes many shapes and forms. That’s why each tribe has its own colours and symbols. Diversity of passion and affiliation is essential - but only when the goal remains one and the same - L’Kadesh Shem Shamayim.
As we march from the annual Yom Yerushalayim flag parade towards the flags of Torah on Shavuot, let’s hold on to our original flag passion and the holy mission we are privileged to serve, in our many colours, together.
נְרַנְּנָ֤ה בִּ֘ישׁ֤וּעָתֶ֗ךָ וּבְשֵֽׁם־אֱלֹקינוּ נִדְגֹּ֑ל יְמַלֵּ֥א ה' כָּל־מִשְׁאֲלוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ (תהלים)
We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of Hashem flag-bear,
Hashem will fill your every wish.
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