Dateline Jerusalem – Most of the world will be celebrating Mother's Day this weekend. Those of us in Israel will not be doing so. Allegedly 30 years ago, there was a Mother's Day in Israel. It was observed on the 30th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, commemorating the passing of Henrietta Szold, a Zionist who, ironically, never had children of her own. Israel's Mother's Day has evolved into Yom HaMishpachah, Family Day, which is not an official holiday and is usually only is celebrated by kindergarten children. There is an International Day of Unity for Jewish Women that is observed on the 11th of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, to honor the passing of the biblical matriarch Rachel. The typical commercialized Mother's Day most people associate with the second Sunday in the month of May is not recognized in Israel.
Personally, I like to think every day is Mother's Day. In Judaism, that is true. According to the Torah, we are always to honor our parents, the fifth of the Ten Commandments. The Talmud equates honoring parents to honoring G-d. Therefore, by expressing love and gratitude to a mother or father every day of our lives, Mother's Day and Father's Day is observed every day. For a parent, nothing is more meaningful than having a child respect and honor you without the commercialization involved in celebrating a specific day.
Okay, it is nice to receive cards and flowers and go out with the family for a special dinner. I would much prefer to spend the time with my family at home and use the money they would have expended on me for more important things. I always loved the cards and gifts my children made me for Mother's Day. It definitely is the thought that counts. Who knew my children had such poetic talent and creative abilities? I have kept these homemade greeting cards and presents over the years. In fact, when I moved to Israel, I shipped boxes of gifts and cards that my children made for me. These things were more important than sending furniture. Their sentimental value is priceless.
Throughout the world, the busiest day for telephone calls is Mother's Day. The circuits are so busy that there may be a long wait to get a call through. Nowadays with the advent of email, SKYPE, and VOIP telephone service, the 8500 mile distance between me and my children seems negligible when I hear their voices. Knowing that they take the time from their busy lives to call me as often as they do, reinforces my belief that every day is Mother's Day.
I am glad that Israel does not observe only one day of the year as Mother's Day. It is so much nicer observing 365.
L'hitraot. Shachar