Hi,
Mazal Tov!
Israel is 59 years old.
… And here’s something to think about.
Jerusalem. 70 CE.
The Romans capture the city. Destroy the Temple. Sell hundreds of thousands of Jew as slaves.
It looks like it’s all over!
And this is such a big deal to the Romans?
That they mint coins to commemorate the defeat of the Jews.
Many of those coins still exist.
One of them shows a Jewish woman sitting on the ground weeping.
Next to the woman is a date palm tree, one of the ancient symbols of the Land of Israel.
Imprinted on the coin are the words “Judea Capta” –
“The Jewish State is captured”.

… New York Times, June 12th, 2005: After 2000 Years, a Seed From Ancient Judea Sprouts.
“Scientists in Israel have managed to germinate a date seed which is almost 2000 years old.
And the seed was found at Masada, the last Jewish fortress during the Roman siege.
The plant is now 11.8 inches tall and has produced seven leaves.
It’s the oldest seed ever germinated
As one scientist said, “Plants from ancient seeds usually keel over and die soon”.
But this one is different.”
… The Romans are gone.
Like all ancient empires?
They keeled over and died.
But the Jews are different.
When it looks like it’s all over?
They bounce back.
… This morning I attended a Bris. A circumcision ceremony.
Another Mazal Tov!
Every Bris is special. But this one was extra special.
The baby was held by someone who once could have never dreamed this would happen.
The great grandfather!
A Holocaust survivor!
… Like the date seed? The Jews never died.
They returned to Israel after 2000 years.
And Jewish scientists in Israel are nurturing this ancient palm seed.
It’s the miracle of the Jewish People!
All the best,