some heartfelt words and prayers about the situation in Israel

I share with you some heartfelt words about the situation in Israel and my sentiments — at a confusing and devastating time. This may seem simple but in times of crisis it’s hard to stay focused — yet it’s imperative that we do. 

There is only today. Don’t think about tomorrow. Don’t think about next week. It's about today and it’s about action. Remaining stunned, immobile, and continuously processing are luxuries we simply don't have. We must focus on what we can do today!  

Here's a few things you can do:

1.  Go through the contacts in your phone and start texting people in Israel to let them know you are thinking of them. Include in this group people who you don’t know so well. A good word and a demonstration of love from a geographical distance goes a million miles. 

2. The needs in Israel right now are tremendous. There are thousands of organizations and causes out there. Everyone is doing a good job — and they all need support. I believe we need to tap into our networks and people on the ground in Israel to see how we can help individuals. We need to be the eyes and ears via our contacts to see what we can do to help the individual on the street. Let's be there for our family! Our community has been involved in sending supplies to the front lines. Every dollar you give goes directly to them and we will cover the credit card fees: https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=36

3. We have joined with Jews across the world for the 1 Million Mitzvah Campaign: https://onemitzvah.org/israel/rabbi-bernaths-team. When we pray or dedicate a good deed to our brothers and sisters in Israel, we create a spiritual shield that will help them through difficult and dangerous times: https://www.jewishndg.com/library/article_cdo/aid/6120608/jewish/7-Things-You-Can-Do-for-Israel-Now.htm

4. Download this little book and pray. These are prayers Jews have said for centuries in times of distress: https://jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1248/PQoG12484159.pdf

5. Recognize that the news updates are few at this point, the devastation is real, and though it seems like a bad dream, unfortunately it’s not. We must be mentally strong as we need to be part of the armour of the Jewish nation. If that means not being glued to the news, recognize that. It requires changing the conversation from ‘how could it be’ to ‘what can we do’. I believe that it will both give Israel the greatest support and help restore the balance in your life that you’re seeking. Action does that as does the faith that we will endure. We are not victims and we can’t allow ourselves to feel that way!!

6. The Torah teaches us (and history has repeatedly demonstrated to us) that the physical protection of each one of us — and, indeed, our very collective destiny! — is intrinsically connected to our spiritual activism.

Please find below some additional suggestions:

We pray fervently for the definitive, resounding and swift success of the Israel Defense Forces and for the safety of our soldiers and the people of Israel. May the Almighty shower compassion upon the Nation of Israel!  

Sincerely,
Rabbi Yisroel Bernath

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