So much has happened in the last 20 hours since the war with Iran began.
It is a moment in time which we all wished wouldn't have to happen, but with Israel being left with no options, here we are.
Here we are living through history and watching a war which was a last resort against a regime which has stated clearly that their goal was to destroy Israel, and their proxies had clearly stated that the goal was to destroy the Jewish people.
Left with no choice, Israel has arisen like a roaring lion to take on this challenge to protect the Jewish people and humanity as a whole. Indeed war is a last resort, but as seen so clearly Israel, from left to right, there is a clear understanding, that this is the moral and just thing to do here.
Jewish tradition teaches us that at times like this, the power of prayer or doing an extra Mitzvah is not to be underestimated. Your act of kindness, charity, prayer, recital of a Psalm, donning of Tefillin during the day, or lighting of Shabbat Candles, help bring light and blessing to the world, and help our brothers and sisters in Israel as they face this huge challenge. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, would always encourage us to respond to these challenging events with prayer, Mitzvahs, good deeds and resilience and faith.
Below we have posted some suggestions which we encourage you to consider in honor of our brothers and sisters.
Prayer: To recite Psalm 20 for Israel use this link and to recite Psalm 121 use this link.
Mitzvah: Consider doing an extra Mitzvah or act of kindness to bring more light and blessing in the world.
Tefillin: If you don't normally do it, please consider donning Tefillin and reciting the prayer of the Shema during the day on Friday or any other weekday. If you want to stop by Chabad of Sudbury tomorrow afternoon to do this, please let us know.
Candle Lighting: In honor of Shabbat, light the Shabbat Candles and pray for Israel and for world peace, and add your own personal prayer as you welcome in the Shabbat, on Friday evening before sundown.
Support Israel: Find a charity that is dear to your heart in Israel like Magen David Adom, United Hatzalah, the Sheba Medical Center or many others, or a local charity, or you can help support our Israel efforts to help people caught up in the war, on the frontlines and the wounded and others over here.
Mezuzah: If you don’t yet have Mezuzahs, now is a great time to get one for each doorway in your home or office. Let us know if you wish us to help you with this Mitzvah.
As we pray for the day when nation shall not lift a sword against another nation and the day when we will achieve world peace, we remember that we are living through history today and we must be strong, full of hope, courage and faith. As they say in Hebrew, "Am HaNetzach Lo Mefached MiDerech Arucha", the toils and challenges are great and formidable, but as a people with an eternal faith and mission, we will not be fazed or become fearful.
ה' עוז לעמו יתן ה' יברך את עמו בשלום
With prayers for everyone in Israel and with blessings for a Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos
Yisroel
P.S With synagogues closed across Israel and people unable to gather and pray together, please join us tomorrow for Shabbat Services as we gather here in honor of them! (10am start, Torah Reading 11am, Kiddush Luncheon at 12:15pm), or Sunday morning for the Minyan and Tefillin between 8am and 9am.