This image of the empty Shabbat table is set with 203 seats, representing the 203 hostages that are still being held by terrorists in Gaza.

It’s a heartrending reminder of our brothers and sisters, that over two weeks later are still being held hostage by terrorists. Our initial reaction can be to ask, How and why? How can such cruelty exist? Why is the world not outraged that 210 people, including babies and children are being held hostage?

It’s not a question that can be easily understood, and perhaps a healthier question we can ask is ‘How will I respond to this?’ 

It’s been beautiful to see the outpouring of love and care from Jews around the world to help the soldiers in Israel, their wives who are often holding down the fort at home alone during this scary time and those who have been displaced. We are rallying together in unity.

This war is not just being fought in Israel and Gaza though. It’s being fought on two fronts, the physical and the spiritual. The physical world is an analogy to the spiritual world. Physically, there is an eco-system, and every part of that ecosystem has an impact on the entire system. Even something as seemingly insignifcant as flies becoming extinct would have a catastrophic impact on the ecosystem.  

There is also a spiritual ecosystem. When we add to the spiritual ecosystem it has a far-reaching impact. We see this in how we get impacted by other people’s behaviours and attitudes. While the physical war is being fought by the IDF, on the spiritual front this war is being fought by every single one of us. Every action we do feeds the spiritual ecosystem and impacts this war. 

Our response to the darkness has to be on both fronts. Physically, we respond by doing what we can to help, whether it is by contributing to those who are helping or those who are effected by the war. We respond on the spiritual front too, by feeding the spiritual eco-system through increasing our mitzvoth, our good deeds and prayers.

Perhaps its by committing to upgrading a mitzvah you already do, perhaps it is by joining a learning group – get in touch if you would like to join one – perhaps its by taking on a mitzvah, perhaps its praying for the end to this war, for the safe release of all our hostages, for comfort for the bereaved and healing for the hurt.

Gila

PS. To hear more, listen to the latest episode on my podcast: Faith During Challenging Times on Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen.