delray beach orthodox rabbi

                                             
                                                                                            B"H
 
 ננצח - The Slogan With Meaning
 
It would be disingenuous to describe the current situation in Israel as good. War, even when victorious, has dire implications. Sadly, too many families are mourning the death of a loved one. Parents, spouses, and children sitting shiva is a high price to pay. The financial cost to the economy is devastating and the government is spending billions of dollars in ammunition, salaries of reservists, and the temporary resettlement of those living near the southern and northern borders.
 
However, it would be equally dishonest to describe the situation as morose and desperate. On our recent mission to Israel, no matter where we went and who we spoke to, there was a positive vibe. It seems that the Israeli mentality was one of optimism and appreciation. A nineteen year old soldier who lost a leg was raising money from his hospital bed for soldiers in need. Religious girls spending their gap year in Israel walked around with genuine smiles, helping prepare food for soldiers and working on farms. Adults from across the religious spectrum were taking time off to volunteer. Food seemed to be a focus and comfort as everywhere we went volunteers were preparing food for the soldiers or patients in the hospital.
 
I saw many dark clouds but so much more sunshine. At the airport I met a man from New York who has been to Israel multiple times since October 7th. He told me he goes as far south as he can legally go and provides soldiers with whatever he can. Chavi and Abe Kahan, our shul president and his wife, have gone to Israel twice to volunteer since October 7th and I believe Chavi is already planning a third visit. She is not unique as thousands of volunteers have visited Israel to do whatever they can. The holiness of our people, which in the past was often marred by division, is on full display. The words יחד ננצח - together we will be victorious - is seen everywhere and is being taken to heart.
 
As we drove into Tel Aviv there was a huge billboard of a man wearing tefillin. However, more fascinating was that the arms of the person displayed on the billboard were full of tattoos. This display was shocking not because of its contradictions but because these contradictions are now reality. Secular jews want to identify with their religion. We met one lady who told us she is not religious but now observes Shabbat. She said, I am absolutely not interested in becoming religious but in a crisis I have a need to identify.
 
I have always been optimistic about Israel’s ability to be victorious in battle. But now I’m optimistic that we as a people will remain united. I’m optimistic that the political divisions that in the past divided Israelis will be the cause for its strength. I believe that secular Jews interacting with religious Jews is mutually beneficial. God created our world with conflicting ideals. He created the physical and combined it with the spiritual. Each on their own fails to realize the greatness of God’s creativity.
 
יחד ננצח - together we will be victorious - means so much more than just getting along and mutual respect. It means that when we are philosophically able to see the beauty in each other, we as a nation will succeed. I hope that in the future we won’t need a war to teach us how best to be a Jew.
 
It’s great to be back but it was so important to be in Israel. יחד ננצח - indeed together we will be victorious.
 
Rabbi Jack Engel
 
PS:  At Anshei Emuna Sunday night January 14th at 7:00pm those who attended the mission will update the congregation on the highlights of their visit to Israel.