war on terror – The Tree of Life

Israel will Prevail

In the still of the night,

in the early hours of the morning,

when there is no sign of light,

there is no time for adorning

oneself with endless fantasies

of who one would like to be,

by ignoring the actualities

that exist for all of humanity.

Rather, there is only time

to huddle with the teams of angels

assigned to strengthen the line

of defense against the enemy.

The true test of life

with all of its challenges

is how we deal with strife,

as the world rearranges

itself, turning chaos into order,

when the kedoshim prevail

over the destructive forces

that threaten Israel.

shiur: Bereishis 5784

A Time to Speak: a brief message of hope, resilience, and light

“A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7–8

Last Shabbat, on Shemini Atzeret, words of wisdom from the Book of Ecclesiastes were read. These words are apropos of the events that transpired that day in Israel, when Israeli’s were about to celebrate Simchat Torah, usually a day of joy and dancing, in celebration of the Torah, the Etz Chayim, our way of life.

There is “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Today, more than ever, for the sake of Eretz Yisrael, Israelis, and Jews all around the world, today, is not a time to remain silent; rather, today is most significantly a time to be outspoken. Primarily, it is a time to speak to H’Shem, Who views Israel as “the apple of His eye.” His gaze is upon Israel day and night, and all throughout the seasons. On Shemini Atzeret, upon the religious calendar, the season of the Mediterranean cool, rainy winter began in Israel, and with the seasonal change, war also arrived upon the southern border of Israel.

Through prayer we appeal to the Almighty, as in all previous generations, for the courage, hope, and reassurance that light will triumph over darkness. We should not even doubt in the slightest, because, ultimately, the promises of G-d to the Children of Israel will be fulfilled. We look forward to a time of peace and harmony, under the banner of Moshiach who will reign from Jerusalem, according to G-d’s timing.

Yet, the road toward that day is fraught with times of trouble, the darkness before the dawn. Yet, “the path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18, PS). Let us look forward to that day with sincere and heartfelt expectation, despite the darkness that currently surrounds us. For, this is emunah (faith).

Light will Prevail

Words have no proximity
to speak of the calamity,
perpetrated upon Israelis.

Support all of humanity,
by siding with the light
of a nation led by G-d.

He is our shelter, in the barrage
of missiles, our place of refuge,
when the sirens sound.

Our G-d will fight for us,
against the enemies of all that is just,
as we preserve our own integrity.

For, we seek the good of all,
and will not let terror fall
upon innocent lives again.