War reminds Jews worldwide: We are all shareholders in Israel - opinion

• Published date: 29 March 2024
• Author: MOSHE TARAGIN
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The first round of instructions was directed to the rank and file, while a parallel list was commanded directly to the priests. Although the general population wasn't directly involved in the Sanctuary ceremonies, they still had their own role. God wanted every person to feel individual agency over the Sanctuary experience so that it would not become an impersonal institution

To properly maintain its dignity and sanctity, only trained priests could officiate its ceremonies. Though restrictiveness was vital, it was still crucial that every Jew was personally invested in this house of God, or else it would become detached, bureaucratic, and irrelevant.

Similarly, everyone was invited to the Sanctuary's inauguration. The induction of the Sanctuary was launched with an eight-day vigil, known as the week of miluim, during which the priests could not leave Sanctuary grounds. During this intense period, they practiced the various rituals and mentally prepared for this solemn project. Although only priests were directly involved in the vigil, the entire population was invited to attend the opening ceremonies.

From a logistical standpoint, it was challenging to fit three million people into the Sanctuary courtyard. Yet, despite the technical obstacles, it was important for even the average Jew, who wasn't a priest, to feel included in the miluim. Everyone had agency, and all felt personally invested in the project. We became shareholders in the Sanctuary, not spectators.

TRADITIONALLY, ISRAELI citizens have felt deep agency for their country. Israel was a new country, forming its social, political, and religious identity. Living through the country's early chapters was deeply meaningful, as we were conscious about forging something new. Compulsory National Service provided every Israeli with a seat at the table and an individual role in defending the country and enriching daily life. If Israelis were politically contentious, it was because they had ownership and agency of their country. Sometimes too much ownership, but ownership nonetheless.

As life in Israel shifted, our individual agency diminished. There was a pocket of about 30 years during which our country experienced spectacular and dizzying growth as we transformed into a global economic powerhouse and a military superpower. Our fledging little country had arrived on the grand international stage. We became fabulously successful, but the country felt less personal and more institutional. We transformed...