The Taxing Truth About Taxes

My father was a history teacher, but he didn’t just teach the facts and dates. He made history feel alive. When he taught about the American War of Independence, he talked about the musical 1776. For him, the musical wasn’t just entertainment. It was a lesson in courage, collaboration, and the sacrifices required to build something meaningful.

The American Revolution wasn’t just about fighting tyranny—it was about principles. “No taxation without representation!” my dad would roar, as if he were rallying the troops himself.

And taxes? Well, my father had…a different view.

Every April, after filling out his IRS forms, he’d say, “I should pay more taxes because America needs more money to keep doing good work.”

I thought he was crazy. More taxes? Who wants to pay more? Isn’t the goal to keep as much as you can?

Fast forward a few decades. I’m living in Israel. There’s a war, and taxes are increasing. My instinctive reaction? An eye roll, and a groan. But then, I hear my father’s words echoing in my memory.

My father didn’t see taxes as a burden. He saw them as an investment in something bigger than himself. And now, I finally get it.

I realize he’s right. Taxes aren’t just numbers on a form – they’re essential to fund what Israel is building, what we’re protecting, and what we value most.

I won’t lie – I don’t enjoy paying higher taxes. But I’ll do it, because now I understand what my father was trying to teach me: true contribution isn’t measured by what you keep, but by what you’re willing to give.

Here’s to my dad, who saw the bigger picture. And here’s to the things that matter enough to invest in – even when it’s hard!