The Blogs: The MOST Important Mitzvah: What we can do to help #BringBackOurBoys

We Love you we miss you, please be strong. Hold on.

As we heard those anguished words from Rachel Fraenkel, we all asked ourselves, what can we do to help? The most important thing to do as Jews is to do something. TO JEW IS TO DO! Among the many things we can do for Eyal, Naftali, and Gilad: Sign, Write, and Pray:

Sign THIS PETITION to influence the US government to maximize its efforts on behalf of the boys.

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/demand-release-16-year-old-american-student-naftali-frenkel-kidnappers-palestinian-terrorists/Qy2N4R2H

WRITE LETTERS of support to the families of the boys.

http://www.onefamilytogether.org/letters-of-support/

Use social media (with hash tags) to educate the world and spread the message.

4. Pray for the boys: Any time, recite Psalms 142 and 143 or any other prayers on behalf of the boys and our IDF soldiers who are out 24/7 looking for them.

Maimonides (1135-1204) notes in his Magnum Opus “The Mishneh Torah,” Laws of Gifts to the Poor, Chap. 8

Pidyon Shevuyim (Ransoming of Captives) takes precedence over supporting the poor and clothing them. There is no greater Mitzvah than Pidyon Shevuyim, for the problems of the captive include those of the hungry, the thirsty, the naked and one who is in mortal danger. One who ignores the need to redeem captives, transgresses the following commandments:

‘Do not harden your heart against your needy kinsman’ (Devarim 15:7)

‘Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbour’ (Vayikra 19:16)

‘You shall not rule ruthlessly over him in your sight’ (Vayikra 25:53)

‘You shall surely open your hand to him’ (Devarim 15:8)

‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ (Vayikra 19:18)

‘Rescue those who are drawn to death’ (Mishlei 24:11) and many others.”

The first Jew, Abraham, dropped everything to redeem his nephew Lot and his family. He risked his life together with his 318 followers to try and save Lot’s family (Genesis 14:12-16).

And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed… And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan. And he divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. And he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.”

We learn from this story, and the importance that Miamonides (and many other rabbinical sources) place on rescuing hostages that we must do whatever we can do, wherever we are, to try and bring our boys home. Just as “all of Israel is responsible for each other” imagine if these were your loved ones. Unfortunately, we don’t need to imagine. These are our loved ones. Rifka Fraenkel pointed out the silver lining of this tragic situation. She mentioned that the families were:

Full of thanks for everyone involved. It is very important for us to say, these days we feel a tremendous (embrace) of love and support from all over. People send us so much prayer and love and good energy, it keeps us strong.

She also requested that, “Everyone continue praying. Continue all the good deeds, just pass it on.”

Photo: “The Mothers of the Boys” from the Facebook page,