Declaration of Independence Ritual Builds Bridges Between Secular and Religious Israelis

According to Mabua’s website, this ritual ‘weaves the 10 days from Israel’s Holocaust Day to Independence Day together with a thread of gratitude.’

By Shula Rosen

An Israel Independence Day ritual that was started at a pluralistic Beit Midrash in 2017 has taken new significance during the current Israel-Hamas war, when there is a desire for many Israelis to connect, erase division, and foster unity and national pride.

In 2017, Mabua Israeli Beit Midrash (formerly Beit Prat) instituted the ritual of reading the Declaration of Independence on Israel’s Independence Day as a culmination of a ten-day period beginning on Holocaust Memorial Day.

According to Mabua’s website, this ritual “weaves the 10 days from Israel’s Holocaust Day to Independence Day together with a thread of gratitude.”

Mabua head Rabbi Dani Segal acknowledges that, on Israel’s 76th anniversary, there is a greater challenge and need for unity among Israelis.

“How can we be thankful during such a difficult time of loss, bereavement, and uncertainty?” Segal asked.

He added, “The soul is full of wonder and gratitude toward so many men and women for indescribable acts of kindness and heroism,” he answered. “People who defended others with their bodies, courageously rescued people, treated the wounded, welcomed others into their house and home.”

Rabbi Segal says there is no right or wrong way to read the Declaration of Independence. Still, like reciting the Haggadah on Passover, everyone has their own style and emphasis.

The declaration begins by describing the Jewish people’s roots and origins in the land of Israel, their exile, longing, and struggle to return to their native land.

It follows with a mention of important people and events that shaped the state and concludes with a reference to God as “the Rock of Israel.”

Mabua intends that the reading of the Declaration of Independence should be incorporated into usual holiday events, such as barbecues, community gatherings, and family get-togethers.

In addition, the new ritual can bridge the divide between religious and secular Israelis and create unity to face challenges.

Yarden Katz, who coordinated Mabua’s 2024 programming from Holocaust Remembrance Day through Independence Day, said, “The act of giving thanks is like a muscle,” Katz said. “When you train it, it gives you more tools to deal with hardship… It is a muscle that can bolster one’s resilience.”