Jewish People Are Under Attack. What Can We Do to Help?

Photo: Yossi Zamir/Flash90

Have you been following the recent news from Israel? Jewish people are under attack. In the past few days, four people have been killed, and many more have been injured in terrorist attacks. Some of the victims were visiting the Western Wall; others were imply headed off to work in central Israel.

These attacks were carried out in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and other cities around the country.

Obviously, the Israeli police must do all in its power to protect citizens. But there is something that we can do as well. As Jews, we know that our physical protection is very much connected to our spiritual one, and when we pray or dedicate a good deed to our brothers and sisters in Israel, we create a spiritual defense shield that will help overcome this tough time.

Every mitzvah is important, and every prayer is cherished by G‑d.

Today, let’s encourage men and boys over the age of 13 to put on tefillin. Before the outbreak of the 1967 war, the Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—prompted an active campaign for tefillin in a literal “call to arms” which spiritually instills fear and deterrence in the enemy.

Let’s also make sure that every Jewish woman and girl lights Shabbat candles(several minutes before sunset). Candle-lighting is an auspicious time to pray to G‑d, as well as give a few coins to charity. Please dedicate a few moments to ask G‑d to protect the Jewish people in Israel and wherever else they might be.

May our collective efforts bring about true protection and peace, with the ultimate peace with the coming of Moshiach. Amen.