This week Aish had the honor of hosting the celebration of the completion of three Torahs written in memory of members of the security forces who fell defending our people on October 7. It was an emotional night for all those in attendance. The Erber family donated these Sephardic Torah scrolls to be given to the towns that these fallen heroes lived and prayed in.
The first Torah was dedicated in memory of Sgt. Uriel Avraham, 29, a member of the Israel Police’s Negev Yasam Unit. He was killed battling Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Re’im on October 7. He lived in Netivot and left a wife and two young children. This Ethiopian Torah has the names of all who fell on October 7 inscribed in the outside covering.
The second Torah was given in memory of Major Ido Yehoshua who was a squad commander in the elite Israeli Air Force Shaldag Unit. He fell in the battle to retake the Re’em IDF base. He is survived by his wife and son who was born a few months after Ido was murdered.
The third Torah was dedicated in memory of Chief Inspector Arnon Zimora, an officer of the elite Yamam counter terrorism unit. He was killed while heroically rescuing four hostages in Gaza just four months ago. He left behind a wife and two children.
Many tears were shed and the families were incredibly grateful. Much thanks goes to Rabbi Shmuel Herman who coordinated the writing of the Torahs and has a beautiful relationship with all of the families.
I was asked to say a few words at the ceremony and as I was deep in thought trying to find the words to express my feelings that night when Tamar Rabinowitz, who coordinates all of our Sukkos activities, brought over one of our students to meet me.
Benny Shreibman started studying at the Aish Yeshiva last June. I asked Benny how he had come to Aish. He told me his amazing story. He was at the Nova festival and found himself fleeing for his life. Incredibly he said that as he was running he felt as if someone was holding his hand and helping him. He told me that it had to be the Almighty guiding him and as a result he felt he needed to come to Aish to connect in a stronger way with Hashem.
I was so moved by Benny’s story that I asked him if I could share it with everyone there. I spoke about how the Torah is the ultimate conduit to know the Almighty and told Benny’s story of having been guided by Hashem on that fateful day. It was so inspiring seeing these families dancing with Benny and the Torahs.
So many have asked the question as to how we can dance this Simchas Torah, on the one year anniversary of the largest slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust. My simple answer is how can we not. Our enemies must never be allowed to define who we are and what we do. We are Jews. We love the Almighty. We bring joy and goodness to the world every day. We spread morality and ethics to all corners of the world. We are the Jewish people and we are strong. We will dance for those who we have lost and can no longer dance. We will dance with their children. We will emerge stronger and more focused on our love for each other. Let us all dance this Simchas Torah with all of our heart and soul. As the world continues to thrust hate upon our people let us show them that we will never be defeated.
