On Saturday night, after Levi told us about his Shabbat in Jerusalem, the piece of shrapnel that landed in front of building they were staying in, their time in the shelters, the rushing in to a tunnel as missiles exploded overhead, and how on Friday night at their Shabbat dinner, they sang in the shelter for each missile being blown up in the sky overhead, I asked him, is he okay with being there and does he have any desire to come back home?
I knew his answer, but wanted to hear it directly from him.
He said that he is determined to stay and keeping bringing cheer and spiritual and morale uplift to the many he serves every day, and is grateful that at this challenging time, he is able to be there to make a difference!
No fear, no terror, just gratitude that he can make a difference at such an important time for our people!
We couldn't be prouder of his determination, faith, strength and willingness to stay on course and keep doing the amazing work he is doing each and every day!
My only regret..... I wish I could be there with him!
It is true it has been a week of challenges and pain, but also a week of tremendous miracles.
In this week's portion we read the story of the spies who were sent by Moshe to spy out the land of Israel. Ten of the spies began to panic and feared that it was a mission impossible and the odds were overwhelmingly against them, and they shared their fear with the Jewish people.
Two other spies, Joshua & Kalev, held tight and reminded the Jewish people, that despite the formidable odds, they were on a mission that G-d had given them and "mission possible". Being that that was the case, succeeding was within arms reach, but the mindset, faith and confidence had to reflect that too.
The story of the spies, is a metaphor for so much of where we find ourselves in life, where so often the challenges seem too great to take on or overcome. Yet we are reminded in this story, that if G-d puts you somewhere or you encounter a challenge, it is also because G-d believes in your ability to overcome and succeed.
Today is no different...
Let us take strength from the tremendous miracles that we are seeing despite the pain and challenges, and let us continue praying, doing more Mitzvot, lighting Shabbat Candles, laying Tefillin, giving charity and doing whatever it takes to continue making the world a brighter place. In the merit of this may this be over very soon and peace will be brought once and for all.
Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos
Yisroel