Pray for the Captives!
On October 7 Israel was forced into a war with Hamas. The losses are too high already. But what is most frustrating is that so many unsuspecting civilians were kidnaped from Israeli towns by the terrorists. Very few of them are soldiers. Most are just average people living their daily lives. And after 26 days only a handful have been released or liberated. So my call to everyone is to pray together for these hostages.
Below is an excerpt from a communal prayer we and many synagogues across this world offer now every time we gather:
May He who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Joseph, Moses and Aaron, David and Solomon, bless protect and guard the members of Israel Defense Forces, missing in action or held captive, and all other captives among our brethren, the whole house of Israel who are in distress or captivity, as we, the members of this holy congregation, pray on their behalf. May the Holy One blessed be He have compassion on them and bring them out from the darkness and shadow of death; may He break their bonds, deliver them from their distress, and bring them safely back to their families’ embrace. Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving-kindness and for the wonders He does for his children, and may there be fulfilled in them a verse: “Those redeemed by the LORD will return, they will enter Zion with singing, and everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (Is 35). And let us say: Amen.
From KOREN Siddur
Here is a list of names and faces of those held captive by the terrorists. Please pray for them by name!
Our synagogue is joining a collaborative effort with others to send much-needed aid to Israel. Please donate to join us in this effort in this time of need.
Many other organizations also gathering resources and mobilizing to help Israel. If you would rather send help through them, here are the organizations we and our Israeli friends recommend supporting the most.
Friends of the IDF: https://www.fidf.org/
United Hatzalah: https://israelrescue.org/
Magen David Adom: https://www.mdais.org/en
One Family Together: https://onefamilytogether.org/
Thank you for standing with Israel, for the support, and for your prayers!