#244: Machshavah

Over the past two weeks, we have been witness to an extraordinary display of Hashgachah and the guiding hand of Hashem during the war with Iran. While we mourn the loss of life, the injuries, and the destruction that did occur, we must not lose sight of the many open and hidden miracles that Hashem performed on our behalf. The anticipated devastation on the home front was far less than projected, and the success of our operations in Iran—along with the unlikely conditions that enabled them—are nothing short of remarkable. These outcomes are not to be taken for granted.

Some Rabbanim have drawn comparisons between this moment and the miracles of the Six-Day War, and even those found in Tanach. Although the miracles of Tanach were overt and supernatural, Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook (Ein Ayah, Berachot 1:143) teaches that miracles which unfold through natural means are in fact even greater. The stronger our emunah, the more Hashem chooses to conceal His wonders within the workings of nature.

Building on this idea, Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon has suggested that in certain ways, the salvation we are witnessing may be even greater than that of Purim. In the story of Purim, the Jewish people triumphed without formal training or military infrastructure. In our times, Hashem works through the IDF, the Air Force, intelligence, and countless other systems—natural forces that He orchestrates for our protection and success. And unlike in the aftermath of Purim, we are not left under foreign rule. The fact that these victories come through human effort guided by divine providence only elevates the miracle further.

Let us take a moment to express our deep gratitude to Hashem for His continued protection and kindness. May we daven with renewed fervor—for the safety of our soldiers still in harm’s way, for the swift return of the hostages, and for a refuah shleimah for the wounded. May our heartfelt thanks and prayers serve as a merit to bring the ultimate geulah, speedily and in our days.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.