Am Yisrael Chai, The Jewish Nation Lives!

by Michalee Merritt

I had planned to write a blog today about a wonderful weekend celebrating Simchat Torah. But I am having trouble writing about it in light of what is happening in Israel.  My synagogue is undergoing a Torah restoration project and we had a major event planned for the holiday. It still went on as planned but it was much more subdued. 

I am sitting here in disbelief about what is going on in Israel.

Instead, I am sitting here in disbelief about what is going on in Israel. The stories and the images that we are seeing are unfathomable. Jewish people everywhere are experiencing an unimaginable trauma, as attacks on Israel from Hamas have left soldiers and civilians wounded, dead, and missing. We are heartbroken, scared, and angry. I went to Israel for the first time this past January and keep thinking about how wonderful it was. The connection to my Judaism was deepened and I have a better understanding of the Jewish State. 

At a time like this we remember the power of our community, and we remember that Am Israel Chai, the Jewish Nation Lives and supports each other.

I don’t know what else to say. Remember that our Chai Mitzvah community is here for you.

Consider a donation to Friends of the IDF, Israel Defense Forces. Music is powerful too. Click this link to listen to Am Yisrael Chai sung by Johnathan Hoffman.