| A Call to Action: Our Response to a Fateful Moment Last night, as we in the United States sat down for dinner or relaxed with our families, the people of Israel embarked on a mission that may well shape the future of the Jewish nation and the free world. In a bold and fateful operation, the Israeli Armed Forces took action to neutralize an imminent threat—the Iranian nuclear program. This threat is not theoretical. The Iranian regime has declared for years its intention to wipe Israel off the map. After the horrors of October 7th, no one can afford to dismiss those words as rhetoric. The Jewish people, and the world at large, have seen the consequences of ignoring evil until it's too late. Israel had to act—and did so with courage and necessity. As Jews who have endured and outlived our oppressors for over 3,300 years, we know that our survival has never been solely dependent on military strength. The hand of G-d has always guided and protected us. The Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. But neither can we afford to be passive. We, the Jews of the Diaspora, are not bystanders. Israel's fight is our fight. And while we may not be on the front lines, we hold powerful spiritual weapons in our hands—our faith, our unity, and our Mitzvot. As Shabbat approaches, every Jewish woman and girl is encouraged to light Shabbat candles—20 minutes before sunset—with the heartfelt prayer of bringing light into a world that often feels dark. Every Jewish man and boy aged 13 and older is urged to visit a local synagogue or Chabad center to don tefillin and offer a personal prayer, connecting with G-d in a meaningful way. In addition, donate several dollars to your favorite charity. For more information or assistance, please reach out to your local Chabad center or synagogue. These are not symbolic gestures. They are the deepest expressions of Jewish solidarity and strength. Time and again, our commitment to G-d has proven to be our secret weapon, our eternal shield. As a child of Holocaust survivors, I cannot help but recall what my parents told me countless times: The Nazis made no distinction between one Jew and another. Religious or secular, observant or assimilated—it made no difference. We were one people then, and we are one people now. This is a time for unity. A time for faith. A time for action. May our spiritual efforts fortify our brothers and sisters in Israel—soldiers, civilians, and leaders alike. And may we merit to see the day when swords are turned into plowshares and peace reigns over our land. Am Yisrael Chai. Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Yitzchok Wolf | 
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