Shalom for Jerusalem. Israel is attacking Iran. Here are 3 verses from the Torah portion that can give us strength. You are invited to stop listening to the news and read these verses, our ancient and true news, and also share them with others to give them strength:
1. ”When you go to war in your land against an adversary who attacks you, you shall sound short blasts on the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the Lord your God and be delivered from your enemies.” - In times of crisis, the trumpet would gather the people for outcry, prayer and unity, for salvation. That's how you win. Today too, each person can think about how they help themselves and others get stronger: whether through endless scrolling on the phone, or by calming the children, checking on the neighbors' wellbeing, and reciting Psalms.
2. ”Rise up, O Lord! May Your enemies be scattered, and may Your foes flee before You” - This verse is still recited today when the Torah scroll is taken out of the holy ark, with a request that all enemies and haters simply flee and disappear. Our commentators explain that these are not our personal enemies but God's enemies ("Your enemies, Your haters"). In other words, whoever attacks us is actually attacking God. We are His representatives in the world.
3. ”Not by might nor by power, but by My spirit - said the Lord” - These are famous words of the prophet Zechariah, from the Haftarah read on the Shabbat after the Torah portion. Our enemies may sometimes have more strength, but we have more spirit, and it will prevail, with God's help.
Besorot tovot and Shabbat Shalom!
