As We Hold Our Breaths...

A reminder that Jews have faced our enemies with courage and faithfulness since biblical times.

In moments of crisis throughout our history, Jews turn to prayer.

On this day, June 13 in Israel, corresponding to 6-13 (the Torah’s 613 commandments), our hearts are with the brave soldiers of the IDF and Air Force as they seek to eliminate Iran’s capability to achieve its long-stated threat and goal: to destroy the state of Israel and its inhabitants.

Here are three brief sample passages – from the Torah, the Book of Psalms and modern-day liturgy of the State of Israel – that underscore a people’s eternal narrative of faith and fortitude.

May our prayers be answered.

The Torah

“Let not your heart faint; fear not, and do not be alarmed, neither be terrified because of them,” the Kohen tells soldiers before the battle. “For the Lord your God goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”
(Deuteronomy 20:3–4)

The Book of Psalms

“O God, do not be silent... They have taken crafty counsel against Your people... Let them be confounded and troubled forever.” (Psalm 83)

Prayer for the Israel Defense Forces

“May He who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, bless the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces... May the Lord make the enemies who rise against us be struck down before them. May the Holy One, blessed be He, protect them... and grant them salvation and crown them with victory.”

Amen.