Seeing the whole through the cracks
Dear warriors and readers,
About two weeks ago, in the middle of the Shabbat morning meal, my body signaled me to stop. Before long I found myself in the hospital: tests, monitors, an EKG, white walls and a great deal of time to think. It was this forced quiet, far from the intense pace of the Chashmonaim Brigade, that made me look at things anew.
Lying in a hospital bed, you understand what a wonder the human body is. Every organ has its role and every system its own responsibility, yet only when everything works in harmony can a person stand on his feet. From there, my thoughts went straight to us, to the Chashmonaim Brigade.
Day to day, each of us is busy with his own “sector”: the branch, the kitchen staff, education, the Rabbinate, logistics, the commanders and the warriors at the tip of the spear. At times these seem like separate parts, but in those moments of reflection I understood how connected it all is. As in a living body, every limb contributes its share, and real strength comes only from coordination, trust and unity.
This insight connects deeply with what we learn about the building of the Mishkan. Each person contributed something different: curtains, boards, the Menorah and the vessels. On the face of it, a collection of separate parts, but when they all came together for one purpose, the Torah says: “And they brought the Mishkan.” Our Sages teach that through this unity the Mishkan stood and the Divine Presence rested in it. Its power lay not in gold or silver, but in the bond between its parts.
So it is with us. The Chashmonaim Brigade is a unique mosaic of worlds, roles and backgrounds. Part of the role of the Guidance and Policy Branch is to chart the way; the education staff instill values; the Rabbinate and the company Rams guard and strengthen our identity; and the entire support network stands behind the warriors at the front. When all these forces work together, with mutual respect and a shared mission, something is built here that is greater than the sum of its parts.
These words take on special meaning as we approach the festival of Shavuot, the time of the giving of our Torah. Even before the great moment at Sinai, it is said of the Jewish people, “And all the people answered together,” and our Sages add that they stood at Mount Sinai “as one man with one heart.” It was precisely this unity that was the condition for receiving the Torah. Not a unity in which everyone is the same, but one in which each person brings his unique strength to a purpose greater than himself.
In the world of military service too, on marches, on guard duty and in operational activity, a ben Torah remains a ben Torah. The Torah is the most precious diamond of the Jewish people, but guarding it also requires structure, responsibility, discipline and perseverance. This is where the great task of the Brigade Rabbinate and the company Rams comes to light. They accompany the soldiers every day with sensitivity and devotion: a personal talk after a hard day, words of encouragement before Shabbat, and care for kashrut, prayer and Torah study within a complex and demanding reality. Much of this is done quietly, without headlines, but it is work that sustains soldiers spiritually and emotionally and gives them the strength to go on.
I came back from this hospital stay with an even deeper appreciation for each and every one of you. Thank you for your devotion, your partnership and your great heart.
May we merit to continue working together in unity, with love of our fellow Jews and in full health, to receive the Torah with joy and inner depth, and to see all IDF soldiers return home in peace, with salvation and good tidings.
Shabbat Shalom and a joyous Shavuot!
