Interceptions, Alarms, and Strikes in Central Israel and the South: What Does Judaism Say About It?

Israel is under missile attack. Hundreds of communities are under fire, and thousands of citizens are staying in protected areas. The Creator of the World waits for us to turn to Him for salvation, redemption, and security. How fitting are the words of Rabbi Jonathan Eibeschutz in his book 'Yaarot Dvash': "... And this is our saying 'for you are a mighty redeemer,' meaning strong to act beyond nature. One should consider that every day redemption takes place, and Hashem hears the prayers of Israel, especially the prayer of the many which is not rejected. Every day they rise against us to destroy us, and Hashem saves us from their hand. This is the redemption that happens every day and moment... And every day is a time of trouble for Jacob (Heaven forbid) to end the name of Israel and the memory of Jacob. In our prayers, God has mercy on us, foils their plans, and redeems us from their hand. They cannot bring destruction upon Israel (Heaven forbid) as per the promise of the Creator, blessed and faithful in His covenant. Therefore, they established the phrasing 'Redeemer of Israel' in the present tense, not 'will redeem' in the future tense, nor 'redeemed' in the past tense, but 'Redeemer' in the present tense, as He redeems, saves, and delivers every day."

Rabbi Jonathan continues, "Therefore, a person standing in prayer should consider that it is a time of trouble for Jacob, and many fight to destroy and obliterate the remnant of Jacob (Heaven forbid). If it is such a time of great distress, how can he not pray for the redemption and salvation with complete heart and tears of devotion? Especially as there is but a step between him and death. When he prays and sees that the day has passed and the intentions of the enemies of Judah and Israel have not come to fruition, Israel should rejoice in his Maker, as He listened to our prayers and turned to the prayer of the destitute. Give thanks for past mercies and pray for the coming day because every day and every hour is the same... Therefore, it is necessary to increase prayer for redemption and salvation and consider praying for the dispersed and exiled of Israel that Hashem may have mercy on them and spread His wings of salvation over them to save and redeem them from the hand of their oppressors."

From these words, we learn that the power of prayer is great, and the danger in the days of exile is immense. This is why in the conclusion of the blessing of redemption, the sages established the text 'Blessed are You, Hashem, Redeemer of Israel' in the present tense, as every day he saves us from their hands, counters their plans, and nullifies their thoughts.

In the Zohar, it is explained that before the coming of the Messiah, Israel will endure many great and terrible troubles. "And at that time, wars will arise, nation against nation, and city against city, and many troubles will come upon the enemies of Israel until their faces turn black as the bottom of a pot, and then their redemption will appear amidst their cries and their plight." In the last moments before the coming of the Messiah, many wars will ignite worldwide, and various, unique hardships will be heard frequently. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai explains that all these troubles will lead Israel to the goal: 'Then their redemption will be revealed from amidst their cries and distress.'

In this context, the Yalkut Shimoni brings the words of Rabbi Yitzchak: "The redemption of Israel depends solely on crying." Let us strengthen our prayers to the Creator of the World, that He may see our affliction and swiftly redeem us with eternal redemption for His great name's sake. May it be His will that we soon merit the complete redemption.