Life in our country moves at a fast pace, with the public agenda changing rapidly due to security, political and social circumstances. The news is updated quickly, a certain issue that made the headlines in the morning is replaced by another event within a few hours. Event follows event, affair follows affair and it seems that we are already starting to get tired of following the news.
We start the morning with one story, go into the afternoon with another event, and arrive at prime time in the evening when we have already forgotten what the morning was like. The pressure, anxiety, and stress are working overtime, the division and rift in the nation are deepening, the hatred and polarization are increasing, and it seems that there is no responsible adult to lower the flames.
There is no poor moment for the people who live in Zion.
There is no need to exaggerate the poison and incitement in the various media and the considerable contribution to the division of the people (on both the right and the left, it should be noted). Sometimes you just feel like getting on a plane for a short break overseas.
Then comes Mimouna, a holiday of unity and closeness between people. A holiday that expresses universal values of love, brotherhood, and acceptance. Mimouna reminds us that in a divided society like ours, a holiday that appeals to everyone strengthens the sense of belonging and national unity.
On the evening of this coming Shabbat, immediately after Passover, we will celebrate the holiday of Mimouna, which originated among Moroccan Jews.
Beyond the unique flavors and customs, Mimouna has become a symbol of openness, sharing, and connection – a holiday that contributes significantly to the unification of the nation. The central custom of opening the door to anyone – neighbor, acquaintance, or passerby – illustrates the deep value of hospitality inherent in Mimouna. The simple idea is that everyone is invited, without a formal invitation and regardless of origin or background, creating an atmosphere of closeness between people and expressing the aspiration for a cohesive and respectful society.
The table, lavishly set with mufflets, sweets, fruits, and traditional foods, is not only a display of taste and culture, but also a means of bringing hearts closer together. Inter-ethnic, inter-generational, and interpersonal encounters are created around the table, turning the feast into a celebration of solidarity and friendship.
Last year, the World Federation of Moroccan Jewry called on the authorities to cancel the mass Mimouna celebrations in the parks, in light of the ongoing war and as a sign of solidarity with the kidnapped and the families of the fallen. Indeed, the celebrations were more intimate in the lap of family and friends. This year, with the country returning to full activity in culture, sports, art and every relevant sector, Mimouna should also be celebrated in a big way, especially against the backdrop of the division, polarization and divisiveness in our society, among ourselves. Just imagine a meeting between leaders, public figures from both ends of the rainbow over a cup of tea and a moufetta with honey. Imagine a meeting between protest activists from both sides of the fence with good music and sweets, and you can continue to sail with your imagination.
Jews and Arabs
Arab citizens of Israel also have a share in the Mimouna. In mixed cities, Jews also invite their Arab neighbors to participate in the holiday's mitzvot, as they used to do in Mimouna in Morocco, and the benefit is for everyone.
Mimouna combines ancient Moroccan tradition with a contemporary Israeli spirit. It has become a bridge between cultures, a holiday of brotherhood and joy, and continues to provide unique color and flavor to life in the country.
It is a holiday with deep values of solidarity, community, and faith. It reminds us of the beauty of tradition, the importance of hospitality, and the desire to begin a new era – clean, open, and blessed.
A holiday that is an opportunity
Israeli society is in a deep crisis of division within the nation. The right hates the left and the left despises the right.
October 7th and the ongoing war only added fuel to the pressure cooker we live in. Mimouna is an opportunity for us to remember who we are and why it is important that we know how to recharge ourselves on this holiday, at least until the next event.
Feel like home and eat well
The mimuna is a reminder of the mistake made with the Moroccan immigration. Return them to the King and the Queen one hour earlier
What kind of unity? On Saturday night, you'll see the leftists demonstrating again, insulting the right, Netanyahu, and including a huge public. Go explain to them that thanks to this public, in an earlier period, we even received the right to this land.
Yes, I will invite those who, some of whom even define themselves as Palestinians, and who knows how many more prefer to watch at home the Qatari media that serves our lovers... Yes, I am cordial, friendly, and humane, and my memory is just like historical knowledge... Assimilation, for example, seems to me only like a culinary risk.
I was never invited to either the wedding or the funeral.
Tell that to Uncle Amsalem.
History is full of the tragedy of the Jews.
The desire to make us disappear has existed throughout the history of humanity.
Pharaoh, Inquisition, Nazis, the Hebron events, the Israeli wars, and in our lifetime we experienced the terrible 7/10 disaster.
The desire to eliminate us is widely declared - Iran, Hamas, ISIS, and more.
The State of Israel is trying to recover from the monstrous massacre.
Hamas must not be allowed to exist and continue to willingly slaughter our children.
A withdrawal from Gaza and a cessation of fighting will bring Hamas back to life and the next massacre will happen again.
A cold calculation: the price of life and the security of the State of Israel compared to the lives of the kidnapped.
A difficult calculation but one that must be done. Soon…
"Slaughter and feast" and in Gaza only one pita a day...sometimes.