B"H
Dear Friends,
I am writing to you from Jerusalem where it is almost Shabbat and the sun is about to set.
I am here for Shabbat as I came to visit my son Levi and spend some time together.
We took an incredible hike in the Judean desert yesterday in a place called Nahal Prat, definitely out of my comfort zone, but nothing like being alone in nature and hiking together in the beautiful Land of Israel.
This afternoon I paid a visit to a soldier who I first met 2 1/2 years ago, who was injured in battle while trying to save two severely injured friends, who were caught in an ambush.
He described to me the moments he held one of his dear friends in his hands as he was mortally wounded and said the Shema with him, in his final breaths as they desperately tried saving his life while under heavy fire and he being injured.
He still does reserve duty and just finished 3 months in Lebanon just a few days ago, and then he goes back to rehab every week for treatment for his own injuries.
It was a deeply emotional conversation on so many levels, as we discussed the future, the now, the past.
Before we ended with a very emotional hug, I shared with him one idea of the weekly Torah Portion.
In the portion of Noah which we read tomorrow, as the floodwaters threaten to drown even Noah, G-d tells him to come into the Ark.
The Baal Shem Tov would often teach that the Ark, in Hebrew Teiva, can mean "words", and the floodwaters as expressed elsewhere, can also refer to the stresses of life, which often seem like they are about to submerge us with their fury, and drown out our inner core, our faith, our connection to our soul and to G-d.
Yet when G-d tells Noah, come to the Ark, it is also a metaphor, for making the time for the "words" of prayer and the study of Torah, which although so challenging in those moments, yet, they enable us to not be submerged by the floodwaters of life, and instead they allow us to use the floodwaters to lift ourselves up and become even stronger.
Obviously the goal isn't to escape there and run away from reality, but to gain strength and then taken on the challenges.
I wished my dear friend who has given so much and endured too much for his young age, that he should be blessed that ultimately he will yet build a family, be an amazing husband and father, and be able to give to his family, children and the world, so much of the deep and special person that he is.
May the incredible sacrifices he has made, be the catalyst for him being able to be the person he wants to be.
As I go to enjoy a Shabbat with Levi in Jerusalem, I wish you all a Shabbat Shalom in Sudbury and elsewhere.
Thank you to Shayna, Chana, Zalman and Leah who are running Chabad this Shabbat and Sunday while I am away.
Yisroel
P.S Join us for tomorrow's Shabbat Services & Kiddush Luncheon for part or all of the time, at which we will discuss and share more anecdotes and messages on the weekly Torah Portion