Crossing the Yarden

By Yarden Frankl

Chodesh Irgun

About a month ago, my son came home and happily informed me that it was the start of “Chodesh Irgun.” Apparently Chodesh Irgun is a month of light school work sandwiched between the six weeks of the fall holiday season and the rapidly approaching Chanukah break. Thankfully, it does not take place in the Spring because by my reckoning, there are only about four and one-half days of real school between Rosh Chodesh Adar and Summer break. (For kids who complain that there is school on Sundays here, just remember – there is no school on many Mondays!)

Anyway, Chodesh Irgun is very important. The kids here have only one month to learn how to yell loudly and jump up and down. Now, I had always considered my kids great yellers. Yelling loudly is a Frankl tradition. (An uncle of mine used to introduce us as the “loud” family.) But apparently, my kids were not quite up to the Bnai Akiva yelling standard. So night after night this month, they would wolf down dinner, run out the door and not return until well after bedtime. I could hear them practicing the yelling and see them jumping up and down until all hours of the night.

Yet finally at Shabbat Irgun, we were able to see how much they have learned this month. Along with all the other parents, we sat huddled (in Neve Daniel, “huddled” is the only way you sit outside from November through April) at the sport migrash watching our kids happily yelling their heads off and jumping up and down in unison. A friend tried to explain what was really going on, but it was a bit hard for me to follow. I do know that “Irgun” comes from “L’hitargen” which means “to be organized.” I am not sure it is the best word for the festivities, but who am I to mess with tradition?

As I watched all the kids yelling, waving flags, and, of course, jumping up and down, I couldn't help but think that in just a few years, these kids will have enormous responsibilities thrown upon their shoulders. Some will perform national service. They will travel all around Israel giving their time to help others. They will work in schools, hospitals, and soup kitchens. These young people, who just a few years before were little kids playing on swings, will now be responsible for others.

Then there are those who will be trading in their white Bnai Akiva uniforms for the green of the Israeli army. I have written this before and will continue to say it: I can think of no greater chesed for the Jewish people then serving in the Israeli Defense Forces. Despite the draft, there are plenty of ways that people (both religious and non) get out of military service. Having not served myself, I cannot judge them. All I can do is imagine that the kids I watch happily yelling and jumping up and down today will very soon be walking through mud on a cold night, keeping an eye out for danger.

So you know, these kids have a tough future. For one night, let them revel in just being young and acting crazy. Yes, of course guys, I know you did more than jump up and down. But just between us, I think the jumping was the best part. Didn't you?

Shabbat Shalom from our blessed nation.

© 2007 Yarden Frankl