1. The Power of Prayer in Times of Crisis
We gathered this evening with a clear purpose: to pray to Hashem for the safety and return of the three teen boys, and for the protection of all soldiers and Jewish people who are putting their lives in danger. Our hope is that Hashem will guard them, guide them, and bring this difficult episode to a quick, safe, and peaceful conclusion. There is a deep belief that by joining together in prayer and community, we can merit to hear good news—that the boys will be rescued and everyone will be safe and sound.
2. Wrestling with the Question of Suffering
Many people struggle with the age-old question: why do bad things happen to good people? This question was already asked by Avraham Avinu in the Chumash—hashofet kol ha’aretz lo yaseh mishpat—“Is the Judge of all the earth not going to do justice?” Throughout Jewish history, from Avraham Avinu to David HaMelech, Iyov, and beyond, Jews have asked: why does Hashem allow suffering? Why were these boys taken? What did they do wrong? Where is Hashem in all this?
The simple answer often given is that we do not know the ways of Hashem. His actions are beyond our understanding. But then arises a practical question: should we simply ask “why,” or should we take action to try to bring about a positive outcome? The answer is that while questions are natural, our responsibility is to strengthen and encourage one another so that things end well.
3. Moshe Rabbeinu’s Example: Choosing Empathy Over Answers
When Moshe Rabbeinu stood at the burning bush—sneh bo’er ba’esh—the bush burning with fire—Hashem told him to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. The burning bush represented the suffering of the Jewish people. The Torah says vayorei mehabet el ha’Elokim—Moshe was afraid to look at God. The sages explain that Moshe was offered an explanation for Jewish suffering but refused it.
Moshe Rabbeinu did not want to understand why there was pain; he did not want reasons or justifications. He wanted instead to remain with his people—to feel their pain, pray for them, and work toward ending their suffering. If one understands suffering from Hashem’s perspective, one might accept it passively rather than cry out or take action. Moshe chose empathy over answers so he could continue advocating for his people.
4. Leadership Means Feeling Others’ Pain
Hashem told Moshe to remove his shoes—a symbol that a true leader must feel what his people feel. Shoes protect us from feeling the ground beneath us; without them, every stone is felt directly. In leadership, this means being vulnerable enough to sense your people's struggles firsthand.
This lesson extends to all who gather together in times of need: rather than simply sighing or saying “oy nebach,” we must act—beseeching Hashem through prayer, giving tzedakah, studying Torah, and doing whatever we can for each other.
5. Taking Action Instead of Accepting Suffering
It’s easy to ask questions or resign ourselves with a sigh when tragedy strikes. But our tradition teaches us not just to accept suffering but to do something about it—to pray fervently, give tzedakah generously, study Torah diligently, and support each other actively.
We turn to Hashem with sincerity: “This is not acceptable; we want this pain to end.” We ask Him directly—bring these boys home safely; protect our soldiers; watch over every Jew; bless us all with everything we need.
6. The Unique Power of Women’s Prayer on Rosh Chodesh
Today is Rosh Chodesh—a day considered a special holiday for women. Women have a unique connection and sincerity in their prayers on this day. You are encouraged to pray with all your heart and mind; give it everything you have because Hashem listens especially closely now.
With Rosh Chodesh comes an opportunity for renewal—a chodesh tov—a good month filled with blessings for everyone.
7. Drawing Inspiration from the Rebbe’s Legacy
As we approach the yortzeit of the Rebbe, we draw inspiration from his life and teachings—the motivation he gave us always to strive for more good deeds and greater unity among Jews. We remember him now as an advocate before Hashem on our behalf.
Let us hope that before we even return home tonight, we will hear good news—baruch Hashem, they are home safe and sound—and may all our prayers be answered for blessing and peace.