Say a prayer

A timely message:

Friends,The updates from Israel are deeply distressing.

It is with a heavy heart that I address the grave situation unfolding in Israel.

Our thoughts and prayers are deeply rooted in the pain and heartbreak that has befallen our brothers and sisters in the land of our forefathers. Innocent lives are being taken, and the anguish is immense. Our Torah teaches us the sanctity of just one life, and now, we witness the loss of hundreds of lives.

We live by the principle of "Kol Yisroel Areivim Zeh Lozeh" - "We are all interconnected and responsible for one another". We must never forget that we are part of a larger Jewish family, and when one part of the family suffers, we all suffer. Our family is under attack, and it is our responsibility to stand by them in every way we can.

Our brave young men and women are courageously stepping onto the front lines to defend life. We pray fervently that our soldiers succeed in protecting life, and that every soldier returns home safe and sound.

A question weighs heavily on my mind, as I'm sure it does on yours: what can we do to help?

For those of us living in Miami Beach, we may not have the opportunity to take up arms and defend our people, but we can and must help the people of Israel physically and spiritually. We must add light, goodness, and kindness in their honor and for their safety.

The Torah teaches us that though their weapons may be of guns and bullets, as descendants of Jacob our ancestor, our weapon is with our mouth, our ability to pray and speak positively. Yes those with the capability must use physical arms to defend life, but we can all fight with the power of our mouth.In times like this we strengthen the three pillars upon which the world stands: Torah, Prayer, and Charity.

I wholeheartedly encourage all those who cherish life to intensify their Torah study, engage in added daily prayer, and increase their acts of Tzedakah / Charity for the safety and security of our brothers and sisters in Israel. This is the most meaningful contribution we can make from afar.

Now is the time for action. They are on the physical front lines, we must join them on the spiritual front lines.

Know that every Mitzvah strengthens our spiritual connection, bringing protection to our brothers and sisters in Israel. So, please choose a Mitzvah that speaks to you!

We must also strengthen our trust in G-d, who is the only explanation as to why we are still in existence. G-d promises that there is a special protection given to the holy land, as it is written 'the land on which G-d's eyes are constantly over it'. It is with this strong faith that the soldiers go out to fight in Israel. Our faith and trust helps them as well.  

To make it very practical: 

Here are a few suggestions I believe you'll find meaningful:

Men!

On the eve of the Six-Day War in 1967, when the entire world predicted Israel’s demise, the Lubavitcher Rebbe initiated the tefillin campaign, and assured us that great miracles are in store. He quoted the divine promise that in the merit of the mitzvah of tefillin, “all the nations of the world will see that the name of G-d is called upon you, and they will fear you” (Deuteronomy 28:10).Please reach out to me via email or phone to put on Tefillin even for just 2 minutes.

Women!

Light Shabbat Candles this Friday at 6:37 PM to bring extra light into the world and conquer the darkness!

Children!

Gather your children at home, have them put some money in a charity box, and say a prayer together with them.

Please pass on this message to your family and friends.Together, let us send our collective spiritual energy of added light, goodness, and kindness to shield and support the people of Israel.

May our additional Torah study, prayer, and Tzedakah bring protection and support to all the people of Israel and all those who cherish life.Friends, let's pray to G-d from the bottom of our hearts:Please G-d, bring back all hostages to their families.Please G-d, send healing to all those who are injured.Please G-d, send comfort to the families who have lost their loved ones.Please G-d, be with the brave IDF soldiers, deliver success and total victory to their hands as they battle this evil.Please G-d, be with Israel's leadership, that they make the right decisions for the safety and security of Israel.Please G-d, enough with this golus (exile), enough with a world that suffers from such atrocities, please bring Moshiach already and make our world whole again.

As we pray for peace and healing, let us remember the words, "Oseh shalom bimromav, hu ya'aseh shalom aleinu v'al kol Yisroel, ve'imru amen" - "May the One who makes peace in the heavens make peace upon us and upon all of Israel, and let us say, Amen."

Am Yisroel Chai!

Remember that we are here for you, if you need a shoulder to lean on, someone to talk to, if you want to do a Mitzvah or simply just to come and pray. Please don't hesitate to reach out.

With love, unity, and unwavering hope,

Rabbi Shmuli Lezak