By the Grace of G-d
Dear Friend,
A tragedy occurred in Halle, Germany.
A miracle occurred in Halle, Germany.
Tragically, two people were killed in proximity to the Synagogue in Halle, Germany on Yom Kippur this year.
Miraculously, the more than eighty people inside the Synagogue were saved. By a locked door.
I say miraculously, echoing the words of some of the people who were there during the terrifying ordeal and were saved. They, knowing the particulars of the door and its strength, testified that this was a miracle from G-d. That the door stayed locked and did not open. Even when fired upon and notwithstanding the piece of equipment the assailant used to try to pry it open.
I don’t want to think more deeply into what could have happened. It’s too frightening.
But I do want to shout out praises to Almighty G-d for the ‘wondrous’ rescue of my brothers and sisters in Halle, Germany.
And offer sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the man and woman who lost their lives tragically in the attack. Gunned down mercilessly by a hate filled anti-Semite.
Friends, sadly the scourge of antisemitism has not dwindled. As advanced as we may have become, the hatred against us has not abated over the past years.
Yet, in an inexplicable way, Jewish pride and heightened Mitzvah observance is on the rise. The events that our enemies anticipate will weaken us, have the reverse affect. They awaken within us our indomitable Jewish essence. The result is a steadfast resolve that we will not yield!!!
AM YISRAEL CHAI!
We need to express our resolute stubbornness and determination by doing acts of Jewishness.
Start of your day with a prayer.
Put on tefillin when you have a chance.
Light Shabbat candles before the onset of Shabbat.
Give tzedakah.
Keep a bit more kosher than you have until now.
Make sure to have a kosher mezuzah on your door.
Jewish family purity is the key to a blessed and sanctified family life.
Educate yourself and your loved ones by studying Torah.
Get some ‘Torah’ books for your physical bookshelf.
Be more loving to your fellow.
These are example of ‘DOING Jewishness’. The light that we add to the world through these deeds will combat the darkness that our enemies are so intent on producing.
Sukkot is coming up. Siting in the Sukkah, outside, without protection from the elements, reminds us that G-d is our true canopy of protection and peace.
May G-d bless us all with a Chag Sameach a happy and safe Sukkot holiday.
Shabbat Shalom
Chag Sameach
Rabbi Yosef Kantor