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As the waters began to recede, Noach sent out a dove to see whether dry land had emerged, to begin the process of rebuilding civilization.
The dove eventually returned with an olive branch, which became known as the symbol of peace. But why an olive branch? What was so special about that particular leaf?
In 1985, a severe frost swept through Tuscany, destroying countless olive groves that had been in families for generations. It seemed that entire livelihoods were lost forever. Yet, something unexpected happened: from the dead wood, new shoots began to sprout. The root system of an olive tree is so robust that it can regenerate new life even when all hope seems lost.
Following the Flood, when the world was wiped clean, the olive tree endured. Its roots remained firmly grounded, deeply anchored in the source of life itself. The olive branch is not merely a symbol of peace - it is a symbol of resilience, of faith that can never be uprooted.
In the aftermath of the Holocaust and unspeakable horrors near the Gaza border, the earth was scorched along with its People. Yet,new shoots of hope began to sprout. Once again, doves appeared—angelic souls rising to protect and comfort their brothers and sisters. The Jewish nation united with unshakable strength.
God has lifted us from the depths and has brought our hostages home. An unfathomable event at a time when the tides of antisemitism were surging once more. Yet, we stand at the threshold of a new dawn.
וְגַם נֵצַח יִשְׂרָאֵל לֹא יְשַׁקֵּר - “The Eternity of Israel will not deceive.” (I Samuel 15:29)
Amid anguish and loss, we bear witness to the eternal strength of our shared roots. Redemption is near.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Daniel Green
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