Message of Chizuk from Rabbi Topp

during these difficult times

(Sent via email on Sunday night, October 8)

Dear Beth Jacob Family, 

The horrific attack against Israel is an attack against the entirety of Am Yisrael, all of us. This tragedy of epic proportions has left us in total shock and profound pain. 

Our hearts go out to all our brethren in Medinat Yisrael, as we grieve for the many lives lost and pray for the refuah shleimah for all those wounded. We can’t imagine the agony of the hostages being held by inhumane terrorists, and we pray that they be returned home safely and quickly. We ask Hashem to assist the IDF and security forces in acting decisively and effectively against our enemies. 

Living in the Diaspora, we are the modern day equivalents of the tribes of Reuven and Gad (Bamidbar 32) and as such, we must do all in our power to support, assist, pray, advocate and fight for Israel during this unimaginably difficult time. 

There are many responsible organizations that merit our financial support. With your discretion, we encourage you to give generously. In the coming days, we will communicate with you recommended ways to effectively and materially support the war effort, as well as other areas in which we can make a difference. 

This is the time we need to come together b’achdut as a community to take action and daven to Hashem. 

Let us pray for the fulfillment of the pasuk:

ה׳ עז לעמו יתן ה׳ יברך את עמו בשלום - Hashem will give His people strength, Hashem will bless his people with peace; and may we merit to hear besorot tovot, yeshuot v’nechamot. 

Rabbi Kalman Topp