Simchas Torah evening was a beautiful affair, and when I got my children ready for Simchas Torah morning, I hoped to replicate the kedusha we’d felt the night before. We walked from Kiryat Arba to Maaras Hamachpela, prepared to enjoy hakafos there, when we were stopped by a friend of mine in a security vehicle.
“What are you doing?” he asked. “Get your uniform on! The country is at war!”
Quickly, I turned my kids around and headed back home with the bags of kiddush food heavy in my hands. My wife watched us walk in, confused.
“Why are you back?” she asked.
“I need to turn on my phone,” I explained, calmly. “Something’s happening.”
I grabbed my phone and my radio, changed into my uniform, and read up on the atrocities that were happening in the south. I packed a bag with some food, and headed out. My commander sent me to a guard post, where I got to speak with some worried soldiers. Knowing you’re headed to war is terrifying. I was fortunate enough to provide some of these young men with chizuk.
We watched over the Jewish communities in Chevron and Kiryat Arba for the next few hours, while I spoke to them about spirituality. Whether or not my words made an impact remains to be seen, but I made kiddush loudly enough for them to hear.
Later, when I finished my duty and went home, I gathered my children for hakafos. Despite it being hours later, not having a minyan, and taking place around our dining room table with a child-sized toy Torah, I needed to show my children the importance of standing bright in a dark time. We were not going to let the terrorists win.
My messy Simchas Torah was very different from the way I’d imagined. I found that there is beauty in uncertainty and strength in chaos. Being able to fulfill the mitzvos of this holiday while serving my country and inspiring my children will always be an unforgettable experience.
It’s no surprise that the supportive messages from Chutz L’Aretz keep pouring in. The financial aid, emotional strength, and spiritual messaging continues to give the people in Eretz Yisrael the strength to push and fight for the homeland that is rightly ours!
