The Powerful and Secret Weapon Soldiers Use in the Field. It's Real, and It Works!

A few days ago, I asked the gabbai of our synagogue here in Jerusalem: "Tell me, what is more important, to give a soldier a weapon he can fire himself, or to cover him with external weaponry?" He looked at me, smiling, and said: "You need both...".

I said to him: "Let's say you can't, there is only one weapon, what is more important?" He thought for a moment and said: "Of course, giving the weapon to the soldier himself is more important, he is the one in the field, facing the enemy." Then I said to him: "That's why I primarily pray, from the first second I heard about the war, on the morning of Simchat Torah, that Hashem will give wisdom and heart to everyone in distress, soldier or civilian, man or woman, child or adult, to cry out to him from the inferno, to walk with Hashem and trust in him!".

It is more important to pray for them that Hashem gives them the wisdom to pray for themselves, than to pray for their protection. Of course, we do both, but the main thing is to arm them! So that they are not alone in the inferno.

He looked at me and said: "So you're not updated, apparently... today the IDF is Hashem's army! Everyone calls upon the name of Hashem, everyone fights in the name of Hashem, and everyone will triumph in the name of Hashem".

I was pleased to hear this, but this morning they showed me a video from the field: A commander, surrounded by dozens of soldiers in a circle, shouting with fire in their eyes "There is none else but Him! There is none else but Him! Hear, O Israel, Hashem is our God, Hashem is One!" Before setting out to battle.

I was very, very moved to see this, and the truth is I wept after seeing it... from the excitement and the love. It is known what is written in Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer, chapter 32, about 1700 years ago, that Ishmael is one of six people whose names were written in the Torah before they were born, and the midrash explains exactly why Ishmael was called by that name. It is a rare thing, because he is essentially the only person in the Tanach, if I'm not mistaken, who is not named after something related to him, but after someone else, who is also his enemy!

Yes, he is named after us! After the people of Israel!

Moreover, he even commemorates in his name the promise that Hashem made to the people of Israel against him.

Here is the quote: "Why is his name Ishmael? Because in the future, Hashem will hear the cries of Israel from what the sons of Ishmael will do in the land at the end of days, and therefore he is called Ishmael, as it is said 'God will hear and answer them' (Psalms 55:20)."

In other words, pay attention, Ishmael is not named after himself. He is named after the prayers of the children of Israel and Hashem's promise to answer their prayers!

For 3,000 years they have called themselves Ishmael, without knowing why this is the name they chose.

So do not worry and do not fear! Just speak to Hashem and do deeds that show you want Him and His closeness and that you are with Him. Even if it is difficult to fulfill, everyone has something they can do. Even if it is half a mitzvah, the main thing is to do it.

Rabbi Yochai Danhee is a lecturer in Hebrew and English, managing the private investment fund 'NextMoves' and a multi-disciplinary emotional supporter specializing in creating rapid changes, overcoming fears, education, relationships, and return from love with ease - the "Winners" method.