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Facing Terror in Israel


Question:

My family and friends here in the States are following the recent, dramatic increase of terrorist attacks in Israel. What does Judaism teach as the appropriate way for us to view the current situation?



AskTheRabbi.org answered:

I write this reply to you from Jerusalem where I am presently located. All Jews here and worldwide are dealing with the current wave of tragic events in their personal ways and as a united community as well. Virtually everyone is wondering why these events occurred, what the future holds for us, and what efforts and attitudes we should pursue in order to attempt to live the lives we want for ourselves.

The answer that Rabbinical leaders today offer to your question is the same exact answer that we have been taught for millennia – “bitachon”, which means to have trust in God that there is a good reason for all events. There is an oft-quoted saying in Judaism that “God runs the world”.

Of course, we should make our own reasonable human efforts to prevent such events. This is being done by the Israeli security forces increased efforts, civilian heightened-alertness, and even carrying weapons for self-defense in accordance with Israeli law if one so chooses. But the main “hishtadlut” – human effort – we have been taught in Judaism to do in times of trouble is to turn to God in prayer and try to improve our deeds – especially with increased acts of charity, loving-kindness and trying to be better Jews in general.

Ronald Reagan said, “Don’t be afraid to see what you see.” This translates for us to face the current situation with our increased efforts of defense in addition to our increased efforts in helping one another. We offer our prayers that God will look favorably on our desire to do what we are supposed to do – and that He will accept our prayers and do the rest to help us.

May God console the mourners and heal the wounded, and may we know no more sorrow. Amen.


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