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JEWS

with
VIEWS Rabbi Menachem Rebbetzin Elise

Sebbag Peter-Apelbaum

fter the massacre, I felt numb; there hat happened in Israel on October
were no words I could utter to reflect 7 made me realize how important
the unfolding horror or bring healing. it is for Jews to always be prepared
No words I could utter would avoid the and to know where evil is lurking.
Atraps of equivocation, bias, or other WWe unfortunately saw how many
We asked five human failings. Facing this magnitude of bro- antisemites and envious people live among us
around the globe. We must never rest on our
kenness, I felt wholly inadequate. Though we
accomplished are physically far from what is transpiring, we laurels and think that other people take us as
mourn and worry together as one. We read, listen
equals. On the contrary, we must always be
and feel the pain and sorrow. We look at our chil- vigilant and ready to defend ourselves.
Jews from dren and see the orphans, we look at our wives In that context, it was fascinating to see how
and see the widows and we imagine ourselves
as parents burying our own children. Jews have stood up and united after October 7.
It didn’t matter if someone was more orthodox
around the in gratitude for the elements of life that were or less, if one observes all the mitzvot or only a
I watched as our community found solace
few. We were united and together again. And this
world: once taken for granted. Amidst the tragedy, a is where I see our Jewish strength. In the face of
profound sense of appreciation arose for the
global hatred, we proudly stood together and
blessings inherent in everyday existence, echo- stood strongly together for Israel, our country.
What lessons ing our tradition’s emphasis on gratitude as a As a yoetzet halacha, I also witnessed the
cornerstone of spiritual practice. Hakarat hatov,
recognizing the good, underscores the impor- strength and dedication of Jewish women.
Despite the war, despite the difficulties of being
must we learn tance of appreciating the positive aspects of life. home alone with their kids while their husbands
These tragic times are a stark reminder of the
fragility of existence, prompting introspection are at war, despite the constant red alerts warn-
from the events within the community about the value of safety, ing about rockets, they are making incredible
efforts to continue running their home with
community, and the sanctity of life itself.
We have begun to reflect on the significance
of the last 3 of traditions that foster resilience and unity. The Jewish values. I stand in awe.
strength drawn from shared rituals, the support
months? of the community, and the continuity of faith
have become renewed pillars of gratitude. I have
seen this ongoing tragedy elevate the apprecia-
tion for the intangible aspects of Jewish identity,
reinforcing a sense of belonging.
Mumbling the birchot hashachar has become
a thing of the past. We are now truly thankful for Rebbetzin Elise Peter-Apelbaum is the Head of
the simple things in life! May Hashem protect Mizrachi Prague in Czechia where she lives with
our brave soldiers, bring back our captives and her husband, Chief Rabbi David Peter, and their
heal those wounded in body and spirit. five children. She recently graduated as a yoetzet
Rabbi Menachem Sebbag is the rabbi of AMOS halacha and plans to help women in Czechia and
(Amsterdam Modern Orthodox Synagogue). France.

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