Moving to Israel

As the Jewish new year approaches and we prepare for it by doing teshuvah/repenting with prayers, charity, etc. we should be extra careful this year to do all of these activities with Gilad Shalit, the captured soldier, in mind.

As many of you are aware, Gilad Shalit was kidnapped more than three years ago by Gaza terrorists affiliated with Hamas as he served in the army protecting the land of Israel. Aviva Shalit, the mother of the kidnapped soldier, made an emotional speech Thursday in honor of her son’s 23rd birthday. It is truly heart wrenching words she delivers and should remind us to keep him in mind and do whatever necessary to secure his release as soon as possible.

Gilad is one of many who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us to be able to miraculously live and pray in the land of Israel. Not too long ago the very idea of such a possiblility seemed absurd. Let’s ask Hashem this Rosh Hashanah to provide us with yet another miracle and have Gilad return home for the coming year.

Ari