The Lubavitcher Rebbe and Israel’s wars

I remember hearing that before and during the Six Day War, the Rebbe encouraged people to put on Tefillin. He quoted the verse (Deuteronomy 28; 10) that “all the nations will see the name of G-d called upon you, and they will fear you,” and the Talmud comments that this refers to the Tefillin worn on the head.

I remember during the Yom Kippur War, that the Rebbe quoted the verse (Psalms 121; 5) “G-d is your shadow,” and the Baal Shem Tov’s explanation that just as a shadow does what the person does, so too G-d does what we do. And if we are happy, then G-d also manifests happiness and defeats our enemies.

The Rebbe told us then, that since the holiday of Sukkot was approaching, and there is a Mitzvah (command) to rejoice on Sukkot, so we should excel in our rejoicing, and this will elicit Divine happiness and blessing to win the war.

I remember before and during the first Gulf War, when Iraq threatened Israel, that the Rebbe proclaimed that Israel is the safest place, and that G-d constantly watches over the Holy Land.

Indeed, 39 Scud missiles were fired against Israel, and we saw miraculous Divine protection.

Doing Mitzvot like Tefillin, being happy, and trusting in the Almighty’s protection. Prescriptions for winning wars.

And now, as we think about the past two years, we realize how, miraculously, so many of our enemies have been defeated.

And by Divine providence, the US is now allied with Israel in a fight to neutralize Iran’s threat to humanity.

Interestingly, the Rebbe pointed out that US currency contains the words “In G-d we trust.”

Fighting a war with sophisticated weaponry, and at the same time trusting in G-d, go hand in hand.

Because the Torah tells us to not rely on miracles. We must do what we can, to protect and defend ourselves. At the same time, we know that ultimately it is G-d’s blessing which ensures that our efforts are successful. And when we trust in Him, then often — as a reward for the trust — we open channels to receive His blessing.

This coming Sunday is the 124th birthday of the Rebbe. He brought light, joy, and happiness to the Jewish people and to the world. He taught us how to have not just hope, but confidence that G-d will help us.

And he told us that very soon, the complete Redemption with Moshiach will arrive.

Let’s trust in the Almighty, that He will save us from our enemies, and that He will soon redeem us, ‘the last time just like the first time’ (Shabbat Musaph prayer), to be our G-d.

May it happen very soon.