Beyond Brilliance: 8 Lessons From Israel’s Remarkable Operation

Our jaws dropped, our eyes widened in disbelief, and our hearts were filled with gratitude and pride as we heard the news from Israel this past week. 

With precision and brilliance, Israel (or so we believe) debilitated our enemies in a way that can only be described as a rare combination of genius, and yes, Divine. 

Without a doubt, this operation which included a simultaneous attack on thousands of Hezbollah terrorists through beepers and walkie-talkies (and without any collateral damage!) will stand as one of the greatest military feats in history.

Yet, this operation also offers powerful teachings for each of our personal lives, beyond the many military lessons. Here are ten of them:

1. SUCCESS REQUIRES PREPARATION AND PATIENCE: This operation did not happen overnight. It was the result of careful planning and patience. In life too, real success takes time and effort. As King David reminds us in the book of Psalms, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy” (126:5). It is true: the seeds of our efforts today will bear the fruits of tomorrow.

Practical Suggestion: Think of one area of life where you tend to lose your patience. It could be with a person, a goal, or a situation that frustrate you. Now, make a conscious decision to approach it with patience and commitment.

2. THE SMALL DETAILS MATTER MOST: This operation highlighted the paramount importance of paying attention to the smallest details, such as the careful dismantling, arming, and reassembling of devices, among many other critical tasks. In life too, the small details matter most. This is why we are taught in the Ethics of Our Fathers that we must “be as careful with a minor mitzvah as with a major one, for you do not know the reward for each mitzvah”. Indeed, every act, no matter how small, has the potential to create profound change.

Practical Suggestion: Take upon yourself a resolution to pay more attention to the details in your daily life. Like being more mindful in your prayers, and spending a few extra moments with your child, with your spouse, or with yourself; or being more present in your conversations. 

3. IT’S ALL ABOUT OUR RESOLVE AND DETERMINATION: What made this operation possible wasn’t just the vision of its leaders; it was their sheer determination. As the great Chassid, Mendel Futerfas, once said: “If you lose your money, you’ve lost nothing. If you lose your health, you’ve lost half. But if you lose your resolve, you’ve lost it all.” This reminds us that in life, our ability to stay committed to our goals is the key to overcoming any challenge.

Practical Suggestion: Choose one area of life where you haven’t been too consistent. Whether it’s waking up on time, being there for your loved ones, or performing a mitzvah like putting on Tefillin or attending Minyan. Now, commit to doing it regularly.

4. WE ARE WAY STRONGER TOGETHER: This operation was possible only because so many different people came together, to contribute their unique ideas and actions. This stands as one of the greatest lessons of our history: When we are united, we become unstoppable. But when “baseless hatred” creeps in, as the Talmud warns (Yoma 9b) we fall apart…

Practical Suggestion: Let bygones be bygones, and repair a broken relationship, today. Don’t delay this. Now, is the time to rebuild. 

5. FAITH & TRUST IN G-D LIE AT THE FOUNDATION OF OUR LIVES: This operation succeeded not only due to the astounding skills of its operators but also because of their unwavering faith in their mission. Similarly, David’s victory over Goliath was not just a result of his skill, but mainly, of his faith and trust in G-d. As the Book of Samuel says: “You come against me with sword and spear, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (Samuel I, 17:45). When we place our trust in G-d, we can overcome even the mightiest obstacles.

Practical Suggestion: Pray more. If you don’t pray every day, start with praying Shacharit (morning prayers), or a part of it, Mincha (afternoon), or Arvit (evening). If you already pray, start reciting the daily Psalms, or at least Psalm 121. Another suggestion: Start learning Shaar HaBitachon (Gates of Trust) or incorporate the 13 Principles of Faith by Maimonides into your daily studies. 

6. ADVERSITY SPARKS GROWTH: Faced with threats, Israel innovated rather than backed down. This echoes a timeless truth from the Book of Exodus: “The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread” (Exodus 1:12). Throughout Jewish history, our darkest nights have often been preludes to our greatest dawns. Like Jacob, who wrestled with an angel and emerged as Israel, we, too, transform adversity into strength.

Practical Suggestion: Think of a project, a relationship, or a mitzvah that you’ve been afraid of fulfilling. Now, “just do it.” That Mitzvah may be the spark that will fuel your own personal growth.

7. GRATITUDE OPENS THE DOOR TO MORE BLESSINGS: When we experience the joy of victory, we must pause and give thanks to Hashem. One my favorite Jewish laws is the requirement to say Modeh Ani, each day, as soon as we open our eyes in the morning: “I give thanks before you, King living and eternal, for You have returned within me my soul with compassion; abundant is Your faithfulness.”Gratitude isn’t just a polite gesture; it shapes our reality. When we recognize the blessings we already have, we make room for even more. 

Practical Suggestion: Start saying Modeh Ani every morning as soon as you wake up. If you already say it, focus on saying it with more intention. You can also add Psalm 100 to your daily prayers, embracing a spirit of gratitude in everything you do.

8. ONE ACT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING: This operation came down to one decisive moment in which thousands of devices had to explode simultaneously. In life too, a single action can tip the scales. Maimonides reminds us that, “a person should always view themselves as equally balanced between merit and sin, and the world as equally balanced. If they perform one mitzvah, they tip the balance of themselves and the world to the side of merit and bring redemption” (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4). Indeed, one action, can transform our world.

Practical Suggestion: Take upon yourself just one more mitzvah. It could be a small one, like lighting Shabbat candles, giving tzedakah daily, or studying Torah for even just five minutes a day. You never know: your next mitzvah might “tip the scale” and bring about our ultimate redemption. May it happen speedily. Amen.