Thursday, the 26th of Sivan-a day of Thanksgiving

It is much easier to feel a tragedy, r”l, than to feel an amazing salvation. A tragedy hits us deeply, however good news often can just seem like a nice thing to think about before returning to our regular routine. In this spirit, our Sages tell us that someone who experiences a miracle often does not recognize the miracle that he experienced.
Well, tonight is the 26th of Sivan. One year ago on this day, the Jewish people experienced probably their biggest salvation since the 6 day war. The Iranian nuclear project was not a joke. According to many experts, Iran was within several months of achieving a workable nuclear bomb. If such a bomb had been thrown at Israel, under the umbrella of thousands of missiles from Hamas in the south, Hezbollah in the north and the Hutim in Yemen- we may be commemorating one of the greatest tragedies in Jewish history. It could have happened but it did not. One year ago today when the US bombed the Iranian nuclear reactor in Pardo, this existential threat to the Jewish people was removed, Baruch Hashem. The train tracks to Auschwitz were bombed. And this is why we have to be thankful!
So how should we commemorate the first anniversary of this incredible day? Well, for starters, I don’t think we should say tachanun tomorrow. The Tur (Orach Chaim 131) brings down Rav Nutrenai Gaon who says that Tachanun is a ‘reshus”-not an obligation. Even though we are accustomed to saying it. However, on days of happy occasions we do not. Certainly tomorrow should qualify as one of those days.
However, this day must be recognized in a proactive way as well. Last year, after the miracle, many congregations had gatherings of “hodah” (thanks) to celebrate what happened. In the Mir Yeshiva there was such an event as well as in Beitar with the well known Mashpia, Rabbi Elimelech Biderman. However, the Chasam Sofer (Responsa, Y’D 233) writes that there is also a mitzvah from the Torah to remember the miracles that Hashem does for us in the subsequent years after the salvation as well. So, perhaps in this vein it would be appropriate to say Nishmas tomorrow (the beautiful prayer of thanks that we say on Shabbat morning.) Nishmas is an incredible prayer that helps us appreciate the incredible gift of life, a gift that was given to millions of Jews last year on the 26th of Sivan.
In this same response, the Chasam Sofer also points out that when remembering a miracle one should also reflect upon the specific details of the event. There is a common practice amongst commentators of the book of Esther (e.g. the Gra, Malbim, Yosef Lekach) to analyze each detail of the story and show how each detail was critical for the complete salvation. Well, in our salvation from last year, there are also many details that need to be highlighted.
Here are just a few: 1.) The Russia/ Ukraine war prevented Russia from helping Assad in Syria which ultimately led to his regime’s downfall and severely weakened the Iranian alliance in the region. 2.) The fact that Donald Trump was not killed (it was very close) and ultimately won the election was critical. It is hard to imagine any other leader (even Vance) who would have done what he did. 3.) In a sad but amazing way if it was not for 10/7, Iran might have nuked Israel. As tragic as this day was, and it was horrific-however it could be that October 7th saved Israel from a nuclear attack by Iran that would have been supported by thousands of missiles from Hamas and Hezbollah. However, after 10/7 and the ensuing fighting, Hamas and Hezbollah were greatly weakened. The situation changed drastically.
Finally, one more big point to consider. We often thank Hashem for taking us out of Mitzrayim and saving us from many other enemies like the wicked Haman and the Greeks during Chanukah. However, it needs to be emphasized that the same Creator who took us out of Mitzrayim and split the sea is the same Creator who is with us now and Who saved us from Iran. By celebrating an event that just happened only one year ago, we emphasize the current immediate connection that the Jewish people have with Hashem. In a certain way this can inspire a person even more than the incredible events of the past. May we merit to continue giving thanks to Hashem with a complete redemption very speedily in our day!
-Ariel