1. Jewish Response to Tragedy and Media Narratives
This is a difficult time for the Jewish people in history, yet Hashem—God—is showing us tremendous kindness. We are witnessing miracles, and while there have been fatalities and casualties, relative to what could have been, we see clear signs of divine protection. The media, especially the liberal outlets, bombard us with visuals of devastation: children hurt or killed, homes destroyed, suffering on both sides. These images are used to sway public opinion against Israel and its actions.
As Jews, we do not take pride or rejoice in any loss of life, especially innocent civilians. It pains us deeply to see suffering and pain on television. We do not celebrate martyrdom; we celebrate life, prosperity, and the protection of our people. Every image of devastation upsets us further because it reflects the tragic reality that our enemies use human shields and force us into impossible situations. Nevertheless, when faced with direct threats to our lives, halacha—Jewish law—teaches: “One who comes to kill you, rise up first and kill him.” We do not act out of joy but out of necessity for self-defense.
2. The Disparity in Casualties and Miraculous Protection
A recurring theme in media reports is the disparity in casualties: thousands of Palestinians (including many children) versus far fewer Israeli soldiers and civilians. The implication is that if more Jews had been killed—if it were “a thousand for a thousand”—then things would be “equal” or acceptable in their eyes. What truly bothers critics is not the loss on the other side but their inability to harm Jews as intended.
They fail to recognize that Hashem is protecting us and granting us miracles. Our response must be gratitude: thanking God for His miracles so far, praying for continued protection for all our brothers and sisters in Israel (especially those fighting), and strengthening our commitment to Torah and mitzvot—commandments—as our spiritual contribution from afar.
3. Honoring Lone Soldiers and Community Involvement
We also gather today to honor special soldiers from our own Sharon community who are serving in Gaza. While Israeli law drafts young men and women at age 18, there is no such draft for those living outside Israel. Many “lone soldiers” volunteer out of a deep sense of obligation to Klal Yisrael—the collective Jewish people.
The verse “Ha’acheichem yelchu la-milchama ve’atem teishu v’poi”—“Will your brothers go wage war while you sit here?”—speaks directly to this sense of responsibility. These volunteers could have avoided danger but chose instead to stand with their people.
4. Torah Study: The Twelve Pesukim with Children
We began by studying Torah together through reciting the 12 special passages (pesukim) from Torah as a group activity led by children from the community. Children have a unique power in their prayers and Torah study, beloved by God.
The children led each verse line by line with energy and enthusiasm, raising their arms as they recited each word after the leader. This communal recitation included foundational verses such as “Torah tziva lanu Moshe morasha kehilat Yaakov”—“The Torah that Moshe commanded us is an inheritance for the congregation of Yaakov,” as well as verses emphasizing faith, unity, reward for mitzvot, and love for fellow Jews.
5. Personal Stories: Soldiers from Our Community
The gathering included sharing personal stories about local soldiers serving in Israel’s defense forces. One mother recounted how her newlywed son was injured leading his unit into Gaza after terrorists had booby-trapped entrances. Despite his injury requiring hospitalization, he insisted he would return immediately after treatment.
This dedication moved everyone deeply—especially since halacha exempts newlyweds from battle during their first year of marriage—yet these young men choose service over comfort out of commitment to Am Yisrael.
The community recognized parents whose sons are currently fighting in Gaza, saluting them for raising such devoted children and offering prayers for their safe return home—whole in body and soul.
6. Prayers for Soldiers: Mishaberach and Tehillim
The assembly stood together to recite a special Mishaberach—a prayer for the welfare and success of Israel’s soldiers—with intent (kavana). The prayer asked God to protect them from all harm across land, air, sea—granting them success against their enemies as promised: “Hashem Elokechem ha-olech imachem li-ilachem lachem im oiveichem lehoshia etchem”—“Hashem your God goes with you to fight your enemies to save you.”
This was followed by communal recitation of Psalm 20 (Lamenatzeach mizmor leDavid)—a traditional prayer seeking divine help in times of trouble—and a Mishaberach listing names of wounded soldiers hospitalized across Israel (Sheba Hospital, Bailenson Hospital, Soroka Hospital, Barzilai Hospital, Hadassah Hospital). Each name was read aloud so healing prayers could be directed specifically toward them.
7. Acts of Solidarity: Tzedakah and Letters
The next part involved giving tzedakah—charity—together as a merit for the speedy recovery of wounded soldiers and success of all those defending Israel (Tzva Haganah LeYisrael). Each participant received a dollar bill with encouragement to contribute it before leaving.
The program also invited everyone—especially children—to write letters or notes expressing support for Israeli soldiers. Paper and pens were distributed during mealtime so these messages could be sent directly overseas or displayed on banners reading “Chabad of Sharon supports the soldiers.” This tangible show of solidarity aims to give strength (chizuk) to those serving far from home.
8. Symbolic Prayers: Balloons with Petitions
A final symbolic act involved writing personal prayers on sticky notes attached to balloons distributed throughout the room. After composing these short petitions or blessings for safety and victory, everyone gathered outside together to release their balloons skyward—an expression that our prayers should ascend before God alongside these visible tokens.
This gesture served both as an emotional close to the program and as a reminder that even small acts—prayerful words written by hand or spoken aloud—can reach heaven above when offered with sincerity by a united community.
Please remember before leaving: write your letter or note for the soldiers during the meal so it can be sent along with everyone else’s expressions of support.
Thank you all for coming together tonight in solidarity with Am Yisrael!