How are you feeling this week? As we hit 300 days since October 7th, with over 100 hostages still being held; Iran and Hezbollah threatening Israel and Jews around the world more than before; the sense that many in our country and other Western countries don’t necessarily have our back, it's easy to get disheartened. I’m writing today to remind you that your worry will not change tomorrow, it will just take away your ability to appreciate today. I know, it’s considered a feature for Jewish people to worry excessively; “Start worrying, letter to follow,” reads the Jewish telegram, goes a classic stereotypical joke. The truth is that worry feels good. When we’re otherwise helpless, worry makes us feel involved, as if we’re somehow contributing by worrying. (It’s almost like that famous Seinfeld episode where George is explaining how he acts annoyed to make it seem as if he’s working). Look, we’ve been around the block a few times as a people, and as we read in the Hagaddah, “In every generation they rise against us to destroy us”. But here’s the key, you know how we’ve survived - and thrived - despite it all? The Hagaddah continues, “and the Holy One, blessed be He, saves us from their hand!” That’s why, despite all the seemingly legitimate reasons for worry, I remind you - don’t worry! In 1990 there was a serious global terrorist threat against Jewish and Israeli targets around the world. The threat was significant enough that the Israeli Prime Minister at the time, Yitzchak Shamir, called the Rebbe’s office to inform them of the threat and to request a blessing from the Rebbe. Following Mincha, the afternoon prayer, the Rebbe gave instructions for how to counter this terrorist threat. (Click here to see video excerpts from that talk). I’m confident that those instructions are relevant to the threats we face today as well. These are action items that we can each implement immediately and they are much more effective than worry: Increase in Torah study. On a practical level you can join us to study tomorrow morning 9:30am or on Monday evening at 7:00pm. We also have extensive options on our website, see here for a good place to begin. Give extra tzedakah. Traditionally fast days were implemented when Jewish people were in peril. In more recent generations, extra fasting is discouraged but one should give the equivalent of three meals to tzedakah (minimum of $3 per meal). There are many wonderful causes you can donate to or you can simply visit our donation page Say an extra few chapters of Psalms each day. I would recommend chapters 20, 23 and 150 (the Rebbe specifically mentioned chapter 150). Worrying won’t benefit anyone (except maybe your therapist or pharmacist) but implementing the above listed action items will strengthen us all spiritually and, for you personally, emotionally as well. Remember, In G-d we Trust - it’s on the money.
ב"ה