* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
The photo below was taken with Agam and Meirav Berger this past Motzei Shabbat. The "Kesher Yehudi" movement organized so many Shabbatot for Agam when she was a hostage in Gaza. This past Shabbat, Agam herself participated in a Kesher Yehudi Shabbaton, a special Shabbat of gratitude.
Here are some highlights from the Shabbaton:
* Agam’s conversation on Shabbat afternoon with hundreds of graduates of pre-military programs: Agam and her family responded to their questions, and Agam explained what gave her strength during her captivity: her faith.
She said, “It was clear to me that there must be some meaning to what I was going through; I knew that God was with me and that I had a special role to play.
* A Friday night “tisch” with the chasidim of Toldos Aharon in Mea Shearim. Their rebbe invited the father, Shlomi Berger, to the stage for a blessing in the presence of hundreds of enthusiastic chasidim. At the same time, Agam and Meirav were warmly welcomed in the women’s section and Agam was very moved by the women’s excitement. “I never imagined that you knew about me and were praying for me,” she said.
* It was amazing to watch how many people approached Agam and, instead of saying “hello” and introducing themselves, simply stated the words from Sefer Tehillim (the Book of Psalms) that have become her mantra: “I have chosen the way of faithfulness,” and then explained how this phrase has given them strength and helped them to face their challenges.
* The security guard at the entrance to the Jerusalem hotel where the Shabbaton took place told Agam that he had waited all Shabbat to be able to take a selfie with her. She responded with a smile: “You had a short wait. People waited for me for 482 days"...
* At the musical Havdalah ceremony at the conclusion of Shabbat, the entire Kesher Yehudi community, charedi and non religious Jews who learn Torah together, all types of Jews from across Israel, along with survivors of the Nova festival and, of course, the Berger family, closed their eyes and sang the prayer of “Acheinu”—“Our brothers, the entire House of Israel” together. It was a heartfelt prayer for the hostages and soldiers, for those who have been wounded or displaced, and for the entire Jewish people.
These powerful events were not recorded, yet their impact is eternal, and can be a source of inspiration and strength for us all.
May you have a Shavua Tov, a week filled with good news.
