“Am Yisrael Chai” is a phrase that has become enmeshed with Jewish identity and Jewish thriving. Its poignancy has risen to a fever pitch since the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. The original phrase is “Am Yisrael Chai L’olmai Ad.” The People of Israel Live. The People of Israel Thrive. The People of Israel are Eternal. The People of Israel are the Jewish people.
What does Am Yisrael Chai look like. I would like to demonstrate this in the context of Chabad’s activities over the holiday month that culminated with Simchat Torah last weekend. I am using an example of what took place around Uptown New Orleans. Similar activities were occurring simultaneously in Metairie, other places in the region, around the country, and worldwide.
Am Yisrael Chai looks like hundreds of Jews hearing the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah both in Shul, and because volunteers spread throughout the neighborhood offering to sound the Shofar on the spot for people on the go, visiting homebound folks or the elderly at retirement homes with a Shofar.
Am Yisrael Chai looks like dozens of families and individuals gathered at the lagoon in Audubon Park to hear the Shofar, perform Tashlich, while singing Avinu Malkeinu and Am Yisrael Chai together.
Am Yisrael Chai looks like a Rabbi walking for 45 minutes each way to sound the Shofar for a Jew lying unaware in a hospital bed surrounded by his family. When the man awoke the next day, he cried upon hearing that the Shofar was sounded at his bedside.
Am Yisrael Chai looks like the tender moment of when Yizkor was recited by the congregation for those who were killed on October 7 and in the war that followed.
Am Yisrael Chai looks like a congregation thundering the words of Shema at the closing of Yom Kippur, followed by the joyous singing of a victory march and exuberant dancing.
Am Yisreal Chai looks like the thousands who were given the opportunity to make the blessing over the Lulav and Etrog on Sukkot this year, at Shul, at home, on the streets, in stores, on campus, at senior homes and hospitals, including tourists, who would otherwise have no chance to do so in New Orleans.
Am Yisrael Chai looks like the hundreds that attended Sukkah-Fest to openly celebrate their Jewishness and the joy of the Sukkot holiday.
Am Yisrael Chai looks like the men, women, and children who full-throatedly sang and danced their hearts out on Simchat Torah, knowing that this was our response to the enemies who wish to destroy us.
Am Yisrael Chai looks like the children who danced holding their Torahs and flags aloft proclaiming that our future is robust and strong.
Am Yisrael Chai looks like the Torahs being brought out to the streets of New Orleans and joining with the Tulane Chabad students for Simchat Torah in dancing and the singing of, you guessed it, Am Yisrael Chai.
Am Yisrael Chai looks like all the little boys standing under a Tallis canopy in front of the Torah scroll, while the adults sing with tears in their eyes the song of “Hamalach Hagoel,” asking G-d to bless and watch over our children.
Am Yisrael Chai looks like the sanitation workers doing their weekly trash pickup in front of Chabad following Simchat Torah, while laughingly declaring “y’all wore us out.” (On that note, I’d vote for Sidney Torres IV.)
Thank you to our incredible staff and volunteers for your tireless efforts.
Thank you to our supporters for your incredible generosity and partnership.
Thank you to our generous Tishrei kiddush sponsors.
Thank you to all who participated and made this holiday so incredible!
May the energy of these celebrations keep us uplifted throughout the year.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin