Today is a day of mourning. For the past two years Jews around the world have hoped, fought, prayed, and cried in agony waiting for the safe return of its captured soldiers, Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser. They returned home today-not safe or alive-but in coffins. In this moment, when no words can possibly bring the comfort their friends and families deserve, the ancient wisdom of Proverbs 13:12 hits too close to home: "Hope drawn out sickens the heart..."
While many of us may debate the pros and cons of the exchange between Israel and Hezbollah for some time-a process that for some is part of the healing-our tradition at least gives us an outlet that each one of us can utilize now. We can mourn, and we can continue to cry out and pray, as the Psalmist teaches us; "Hope to God, be strong and of good courage, and hope to God." (Psalm 27:24)
With that, I would like to share with you a prayer written by Rabbi Simchah Roth, the head of the Virtual Bet Midrash of the Rabbinical Assembly in Israel and the Masorti Movement and Rabbi Emeritus of Torat Hayyim Congregation, Herzliyya.
Israel Mourns Her Fallen Soldiers and Prays for Those Still Held Captive
Father of the fatherless and Judge of widows, give strength, we pray, to the mourners in the families of Goldwasser and Regev that in this day of their sorrow they be comforted from Heaven by You, Master of Comforts. Your people Israel has fulfilled the great mitzvah of Redemption of Prisoners at a painful and saddening cost. May it be Your pleasure that the reward of this mitzvah be that Eldad and Ehud rest in peace.
You who release the imprisoned, strengthen the resolve of those who wield power in our Holy Land that in wisdom and determination they bring about the release of Gilad Shalit from his dank prison and his wretched jail.
God in Heaven, fulfill speedily in our time the biblical verse: "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." And yet another verse: "Then shall each person sit beneath his vine and his fig tree with none to make him afraid, for the mouth of the God of Arms has said it. May this be Your pleasure and let us respond
Amen.
You can find this prayer in Hebrew and English at the following link:
http://www.masorti.org/RememberingIsraelsSoldiers.htm
Shabbat Shalom