I don't need vindication
Or righteous retribution.
After every death,
There is a mother, father,
Sister, brother, child,
That is bereft.
But what can I do with people who only understand the language of the sword?
So when we celebrate our past salvations,
We try and forget the wars,
And light lights of remembrance.
~~~
Photo by author
~~~
יֵבֹשׁוּ וְיַחְפְּרוּ, יַחַד מְבַקְשֵׁי נַפְשִׁי, לִסְפּוֹתָהּ (תהילים מ:טו)
Let those who seek to destroy my life be ashamed and disgraced. (Psalms 40:15)
~~~
On Passover, we don't say the complete hallel, prayers of praise, during the entire holiday in recognition that many Egyptians were killed at the Red Sea. Perhaps, the lights of the Menorah also has a hint at remembering our enemies downfall. War might occasionally be unavoidable. The best we can do is retain our humanity.