"They're going in..."
Wherever you got that message last night, whether on Facebook, TV, Whatsapp or over the phone, your heart, our heart, skipped a beat.
Young kids, only 18 or 19 years old, are doing the greatest mitzvah of saving a life by putting themselves in danger's way so that when you and I wake up tomorrow morning Israel is still here, safe and secure by the kindness of Hashem, and His faithful servants in the IDF.
These young men and women have mothers waiting for them, children hoping for them, and you and I praying for them.
Once again, I invite you to join us at 'The Shul' tomorrow morning for a prayer for our soldiers and our people in Israel. (Services begin 9:30; prayer for Israel approx. 10:45; Kiddush lunch at 11:45).
Of course (women) make sure the Shabbat candles are lit this evening, along with a silent prayer for Israel. Candle lighting time is (before) 8:05. Drop a few coins into a charity box prior to lighting the candles as is customary. Guys, put on your tefillin each morning and join us this Sunday, or add another Mitzvah of your choice.
These may all seem like small gestures relative to the sacrifices of our boys and girls putting their lives on the line. But each Mitzvah we do adds a layer of protection around these brave individuals. (see suggestions in our "Operation Protective Edge" website)
One thing is for sure. They're not going in alone! We are all going in with them. And Hashem with all of us - may it bring only Peace Upon the Land and safety for all.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky