We are actually living a life that requires us to balance two different tasks at the same time. One is just living an ordinary life. The other is dealing with a terrible war, with threats that we never thought we would have to face, with growing criticism of our country from even our strongest allies.
Around 1700 years ago, a group of devout Jews settled the southern edges of Judea in the Hebron Hills. Their hearts were directed towards Jerusalem, the eternal site of the Shechinah (The Divine Presence) where the Temple once stood in all its Divine glory.
I was exposed, close up, to the ugly side of this war, as it is also manifesting itself in the USA.
On October 7th, there were four graves in the military cemetery. There are now 10 and tractors are busily at work to expand the cemetery.
The small community of Gitit, located in the western part of the Jordan Valley and comprising just 110 families, was suddenly left with a gaping hole when 70 of its men were called up for reserve duty.
Almost 3,800 years ago, the great-great-grandchildren of Joseph, excitedly surveyed the lush hills of Samaria comprising the tribal territories allotted to them by Joshua. However, the tribesmen of Manasseh and Ephraim, the two sons of Joseph, faced an ostensible dilemma: How would their mountainous territories accommodate and provide for their large populations?
On Sunday afternoon, Hamas fired 8 missiles at central Israel. Sirens were heard in Petach Tikvah, Herzliya, Tel-Aviv and many other cities.
Tucked into the hills of Gush Etzion just southwest of Jerusalem, the beautiful kibbutz of Migdal Oz stands as a beacon of ongoing resilience. Literally translated into English as “Tower of Strength,” Migdal Oz has truly lived up to its name. Through the years, the kibbutz has endured repeated gunfire and arson attacks by hostile Arab neighbors.
As we approached Passover, the entire country debated as to how we would be celebrating this year. Still in the midst of a terrible war, with some 100 hostages still held captive by Hamas in dreadful conditions, we asked ourselves how we would celebrate the holiday of freedom.
Nestled in the hills of the Benjamin region in Samaria near the historic Mount Baal Hazor, Ofra is more than just a suburban area. It is a testament to the timeless bond between the people of Israel and the land God promised them.
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