The first bill to be submitted to the new Knesset has just been announced. The newly created ministry responsible for diaspora/Israeli understanding proposes establishing a second day yom tov in Israel, which will include a second Seder night. “The new law is designed to solve the huge dilemma faced by visiting diaspora Jews of how to observe the second day in Israel,” explained Matt Icha and new immigrant Joe King, joint deputy ministers without portfolio in the new ministry. “Two-day festivals will enhance Israelis’ empathy with diaspora Jewry, and improve Israelis’ quality of life by giving them another day’s holiday.”

What a great initiative. Let’s hear it for the new ministry.