It’s been a hard week for me on many levels. A man I knew was killed in my hometown by a computer science professor at the local community college. He is a Muslim man who taught one of my kids, so I was familiar with both people. One of my favorite rabbis, Michael Barclay, was there and witnessed the event. No charges have been pressed. The sheriff will be providing security to the mosque in Newbury Park (the synagogues already have their own security guards- a necessity for the past several years).

My son fell quite ill, so we rushed down towards Tel Aviv (OK, so this Jewish momma made 4 quarts of chicken soup with matzo balls for him) to take him to urgent care. On the way down I was shocked at the outpouring of patriotism. Israeli flags everywhere!!!

Despite the many hardships, there is no other place I’d rather be. People are coming up with so many ways to help the soldiers in innovative ways. Remember, over 360 reservists (dads, grandfathers, moms even) are serving. Over 100,000 expats returned in the first week just to serve in the army!

One company is taking washers, dryers and soap to the fronts so the soldiers can launder their uniforms. There are 6 mobile flatbed semis going to the different bases.

And a mobile army uniform and equipment repair motor coach is making the rounds to service the troops!

And if that wasn’t enough, a group of dads got together and bought inflatable jacuzzis and showers and set them up near the front so the guys could have fun while they clean off all that dust and grime!! Nothing like a little pampering from dad!

There have been so many miracles!! They are coming through regularly now. Last Friday, right before Shabbat, there was a massive barrage of rockets from Gaza into the greater Tel Aviv area. A home incurred a direct hit in Rishon l’Tsiyon. There was major damage to the entire house except for the kitchen and the dining room. The table was set for Shabbat and all the family was to welcome their two sons home on furlough after a month at war. Everything was left intact, and the family decided to celebrate Shabbat despite their major loss.

“Daddy! Wake up!!! I love you!!! Wake up, Daddy”…Yael Or, age 2 1/2. Major Or, who was critically injured and lay in a coma for 4 days miraculously woke up upon hearing a recording of his little daughter’s voice. During the battles within Gaza, Major Or’s APC was attacked by a Hamas anti-tank missile . For 4 1/2 days the medical team tried to wake him up, until they played him the recording of little Yael. He immediately regained consciousness and is expected to make a full recovery.

And now to celebrate several women heroines. After the massacre, when we were under attack and reservists were called up, the IDF was expecting maybe 60% to show up for duty. They had threatened to abandon duty in political protest over the government just weeks before. instead over 200% came… from all over the world.

Two of the reservists from within Israel were in their 8th month of pregnancy. Best friends, both worked in the control center and decided to spend their last month in service to their country.

Next is the story of Inbal Lieberman. Not only beautiful and smart, she’s strong and courageous. Inbal was installed as the first security commander for the Otef Gaza (Envelope) Regional Council. She’s only 24. When she heard the first missiles, and the WhatsApp texts of Kibbutz Nir Am residents on 7 October, Inbal jumped into action. Gathering together 8 other kibbutz members and going to the community armory, she handed out helmets, bulletproof vests, guns and ammunition to the guys. Then commanded them at checkpoints around the kibbutz. They bravely fought of terrorists and stood ground for 6 hours until the army came to the rescue. Not one resident of Nir Am was killed or abducted. Inbal is a true Israeli heroine.

There is Nadav, a mother of 10 children!! She serves in reserves…border patrol division. She is the nicest person, but don’t mess with Nadav. Like Inbal, she sensed something big was happening early that Shabbat morning. She grabbed her guns and ammo and ran towards Sderot and the site of the infiltration. She bravely shot many of the terrorists and helped many others to safety. Nadav fought for 9 hours, taking the guns off the bodies of the militants when she ran out of fire power. Another lioness of Israel!

This is LtCol or Ben Yehuda, commander of the all-women’s Caracal Brigade, an infantry unit. Under her direction, her troops successfully eliminated over 100 Hamas terrorists the morning of 7 October, saving countless lives. Heroism appears to be a family tradition, as her mother earned a military commendation 50 years ago for defending Israel in the Yom Kippur War.

Acts of kindness and generosity are rampant throughout Israel now. Here’s one from my friend, Julie:

My son’s new landlord refused his first month rent check because he was away for 3 1/2 weeks serving in reserves. He just would not accept Max’s payment. Only in Israel.

One more story of heroism for you-

Time is growing short. Shabbat comes early now, and I still must take a shower. Last week I made challah. I forgot to let the dough rise the second time and it was totally dense. This week I let the dough rise twice, but forgot to need it. Oh well, there’s always next week…

Here are guys celebrating Shabbat in a tank on the way to Gaza…. And the last is from our great friend Yardi- who knows how to take a break in style. Stay safe, Yardi and all our wonderful people defending our country. May we have a quiet Sabbath!!!