| Dear Friends, Many people have told me that they feel helpless. We feel like we aren't doing enough and we want to know how we can help. First of all, recognize that we are not helpless. Every little act of kindness, tzedakah, and chesed adds love, light, hope, and goodness in this world. And BH there is a tremendous amount of chesed being done and Hashem sees it all. However, there are two things we can remember that are significantly meaningful and we may not even realize their power, because they are things that are not tangible but they can be felt nonetheless. Davening and emunah. We must not underestimate these 2 powerful components. Shabbat is a gift because we are able to truly concentrate on our davening and our emunah. Throughout the week we are running around doing daily tasks (calling, helping, buying, giving, and shlepping) and all while trying to retain a sense of routine. We do not always have the ability to make time to daven properly or contemplate the impact that our faith can have on us, on our loved ones, and on all of klal yisrael. So, as we enter the fifth Shabbat of this war, let us daven with all our hearts. Raise our voices in supplication to shamayim. Daven like we've never davened before. Put ourselves in other people's places. Think of the families longing for their loved ones to come home. Imagine the nightmare our neighbors are going through. Have in mind the soldiers fighting for our safety, bravely defending our people and our country. Think of the trauma endured by the people who have been relocated. Mourn the tremendous loss of life felt by all. Ponder the depth of the pain and the sorrow. Allow ourselves to feel the grief and the suffering. It is ok to cry. And then let us take a deep breath and fill ourselves with positive images. Think of the resolve of the Jewish people. Picture the courage, determination, and drive of our soldiers. Dream of the happiness felt by families reunited. Think of all the action that has been taken and the unity that has spread far and wide among our nation. Think of all the mitzvot performed. Allow ourselves to be amazed at the chesed, kindness and compassion that has brought us together. Imagine the renewal, redemption, rejuvenation, and rebuilding that comes after. Think of all the bracha that we have been given. Be thankful for all that we have. Reignite the flame of our faith and understand that this is all part of a bigger plan. We don't know why. We cannot have all the answers. But, as hard as it is to internalize, we know that hakol mishamayim and hakol l'tova. This war is far from over. But we are a strong nation and we must stand together. Kol hakavod to the many who have come to help and volunteer in Israel from abroad. With Hashem's help we can win. Am Yisrael chai! Besorot tovot and Shabbat shalom, Rabbi Ote | 
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