To the Editor
Over the weekend, the Jewish people were celebrating the “most joyous” Holiday of the year – Simchat Torah – celebrating the gift of the Torah. Many of us were unaware of what was happening in Israel and when the Holiday ended, we were absolutely shocked and horrified by the cruel attacks on Israel.
We pray for all those who have been hurt, killed, or kidnapped and for the safety and success of the IDF and our brothers and sisters in the holy land of Israel. There has never been, since the Holocaust, a day with this much slaughter and plotted malice towards the Jewish people! All people, not just Jews, need to take heed of what is happening in Israel. No one can turn an apathetic eye or this can escalate into an Evil we’ve never seen.
In this critical time, everyone should be asking:
What can we do for Israel? How can we help our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land?
Obviously, Israel’s government, army, and police are striving to do all in their power to protect the nation’s citizens. But there is much we can do as well, no matter how distant we are geographically.
Judaism teaches, and history has repeatedly demonstrated to us, that the physical protection of each one of us is intrinsically connected to our spiritual activism. When we pray or dedicate a good deed to our brothers and sisters in Israel, we create a spiritual defense shield for them that will help them through difficult and dangerous times. This war is waged both physically and spiritually.
In that vein, we’ve gathered some of the directives that the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, shared with the Jewish people worldwide during times of crisis in Israel; positive action we can each take for Israel and its people.
Pray:
The power of prayer. Our ability to reach the gates of heaven and plead with the Almighty to make things better. Dedicate a daily prayer for our brethren in Israel. Psalms are especially appropriate for times like this. But feel free to go off-script and speak to G-d directly in your own words, too. While praying, keep in mind those who are held hostage, the injured, and all of Israel.
Click HERE for some Psalms.
Give To Charity:
The protective strength of charity is considered to be particularly strong. This organization is collecting funds and you can be assured, your donations will reach those in Israel in most need: Chabad’s Terror Victims Project .
Scripture:
Jewish homes have a mezuzah, a parchment scroll containing sacred portions of the Torah that is hung on the right side of the doorpost to a Jewish home. It is often called the “guard” of the Jewish home and the guardian of the Jewish people throughout the ages – both coming and going it is a visible reminder that the Word of God is a powerful hedge of protection. If you need one for your Jewish home, please reach out!
If you own a Bible, open it: pray, read, study; intercede on behalf of Israel.
We know that various members of our community may be impacted by this in different ways. Many of us have dear friends and relatives in Israel. Some may have lost family and friends. This is personal! No two of us are experiencing this the exact same way, so we want you to know, however you may be feeling, if you need a listening ear, we are here to listen and support you however we can.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Our doors at Chabad are always open. We here at the Chabad Jewish Center stand with Israel and we stand with you. With prayers for world peace!
Rabbi Shneur Brook – Director
Chabad of Shelton & Monroe
