Posted on 10/19/23
Baltimore, MD - Oct. 18, 2023 - The beautiful Succos we enjoyed is now behind us, and as we enter MarCheshvan, the “Mar” is palpable. Words cannot capture the magnitude of recent tragedies. Echoing the sentiments shared by many organizations and schools, our hearts are shattered. The pain is profound, and the worry is overwhelming. It's too easy to be consumed by despair. We must allow ourselves to grieve, but we cannot lose hope. So, what should we do? Our community is praying ceaselessly. Our Tefillos and Tehillim resonate with fervor. Torah study has surged, and acts of Chessed have reached unprecedented levels. The love we share and receive knows no limits. This is our nation's strength, the essence of the Jewish People. It's this energy that nourishes our souls.
Countless Tehillim groups have emerged, along with online forms for dedicating learning or prayers to a soldier. Still, it's the discreet, humble acts of kindness that echo loudest in the heavens. Although it's impossible to catalog every such effort, a few examples can uplift and inspire us:
Within two days of the war's outbreak, what began with 200 families learning for a soldier grew to 1,500 by October 16th. Soldier2soldier pairs families with soldiers, a system I learned of from a post at the war's onset. Another initiative, ChallahforChayalim, has participants taking challah for soldiers. An impressive 2,500 participants from 22 countries joined for Parshas Bereishis alone. Services such as therapist chats for families of soldiers and students, doctors volunteering in Israel, and countless Tehillim zoom conferences have sprung up.
A recent uplifting Kabolas Shabbos in many shuls was inspired by Arky Staiman's call to "Rock the House" in solidarity with soldiers who couldn't daven. Businesses are contributing portions of their profits, and children have set up lemonade stands, accepting Tehillim as payment. Personal commitments have seen a resurgence, from teens keeping Shabbos to those resuming daily prayers.
Gratitude is owed to our Mechanchim, especially preschool Morahs who bring smiles amidst personal sorrow, and those teaching older children, addressing tough questions. Schools and Yeshivos are supporting their communities in various ways. A special note of appreciation goes to Rabbonim, our community's pillars, for their unwavering leadership.
Lastly, to my cherished family: thank you for ensuring our Shabbos Bereishis was filled with Torah, inspiration, and songs about Klall Yisroel. We each have the power to make a positive difference. As our Chayalim sing, so should we. We are all in this battle. Let’s face it with joy.
Ki Malachav Yitzaveh Lach L’Shmorecha…
May this be a merit for our Chayalim, those missing, and those in need of healing.