Yom ha-Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) begins at sundown on April 30. It immediately follows Yom ha-Zikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) which itself is one week (think shivah) after Yom ha-Shoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). The modern Jewish calendar is taking us through the journey from powerlessness to independence, demonstrating the cost of independence before we celebrate it.
Weirdly, plastic hammers are a traditional way for Israelis to celebrate their independence, either by blowing in the whistle at the end or bopping a stranger on the head to emit a squeaking sound (as demonstrated in this drawing of Theodor Herzl on the balcony by Jerusalem artist David Harel).
The “musical toy mallet” was patented in March 1960 by Louis Marx & Co., a New York toy company. Starting in 1964, the toy became a hit in Bern, Switzerland at the Onion Market Festival held the fourth Monday of November. That same year, an enterprising Swiss Jew brought a few of the hammers to Israel and found a partner to manufacture them to be sold for one lira each.
The product was released for Purim in 1965 but the sales continued until Independence Day and were unexpectedly used to celebrate that day. By 1969, they became known as “Yom ha-Atzmauthammers” and were the symbol of the holiday. Their popularity has waned somewhat to be replaced with inflatable hammers, silly string and spray foam. Of course, last year the celebration of independence was muted, and that may remain the case this year too.
Even though the celebration may be subdued, the fact that we live at a time when the sovereign State of Israel exists is miraculous. Perhaps unintentionally, the plastic hammer provides us with something to think about this Independence Day.
The hammer is a symbol of power (think of the Nordic and Marvel character Thor). It is also the symbol of justice (think of Peter Paul and Mary’s iconic song, “If I Had a Hammer”). As Israel celebrates its 77th birthday, we can reflect on the power of a sovereign state being used justly, and how we can help ensure that is the case until we celebrate together Israel’s 78th birthday next year.
Happy Independence Day. Hag ha-Atzmaut Sameach.
