search
Eliezer Wolf

My Feelings About The Hostage Deal

33 hostages to be released in phase 1 of the deal (JPost)
33 hostages to be released in phase 1 of the deal

Warning: Before you come to Shul this Shabbat, I need you to know that I’m feeling emotionally delicate. I’m sure you are too.

I’m ecstatic that 33 hostages are returning back to their families.

I’m anxious to know if they are alive or not.

I’m nervous to learn about their physical and mental conditions.

I’m fearful about the plight of the other 65 hostages.

I’m elated that Israel has destroyed so much of her enemies’ terror capabilities.

I’m disappointed that this hostage deal seems to have been made through weakness.

I’m angry that it took 468 days to achieve this deal.

I’m sad that Hersh and others couldn’t have been saved by a similar deal.

I’m inspired when I see different communities rally together in unity.

I’m disheartened when I see divisiveness among our people.

I’m hopeful that Israel and US leaders have more up their sleeves that will strengthen and secure Israel’s future.

I’m optimistic that there is a lot more to this deal that we aren’t aware of.

I’m worried that there isn’t.

Lastly, and most importantly, I’m trying to strengthen my faith. Because ultimately only G-d is in control of everything. He knows what to do and how things should be. I only pray that we shouldn’t get in the way, and that we faithfully carry out what G-d would expect from us.

In this week’s Torah portion, Moshe encounters G-d for the first time, in a strange setting. A burning bush. The bush was aflame, yet it wasn’t being consumed by the fire.

Perhaps G-d was signaling to Moshe: Your nation, my children, will always be on fire.

Even if, G-d forbid, the fire will be one of pain and destruction, the Jewish nation will never be consumed or defeated.

And hopefully, the fire will be one of warmth and light, the fiery love of one Jew to the other, and a fiery relationship with G-d.

As the fire rages, I close my eyes to absorb to G-d’s message to Moshe at that moment:

“I have seen the affliction of My people… I have heard their outcry… I am aware of their pains…
“I have come down to rescue them… and to take them up from that land back to Israel…
“Now go… you will take My people out of Egypt.”

As we’ve proclaimed since the very beginning, ‘b’yachad n’natzeach’ – ‘together we will win’.

About the Author
Eliezer Wolf is the senior Rabbi of Beit David Highland Lakes Shul in Miami FL.
Related Topics
Related Posts