Dear Friends,
Divine Providence has assigned the United States government a critical role relative to the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and today Israel's Prime Minister will begin several days of meetings in Washington. Whatever our politics, we would do well to pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu's success in his meetings with President Trump and his Administration and Congress. Heyei im piphiyot shluchei amcha Beit Yisrael. We daven that G-d guide him and all those who speak on behalf of His people.
Since Simchat Torah of 2023, shuls everywhere have been concluding the davening with extra Tehillim prayers for Israel, for the IDF's security and success, and for the hostages. Two weeks ago, one of the shuls I attend regularly appropriately began adding the 100th Psalm to those prayers: "Mizmor l'todah, A Psalm of Thanksgiving… serve Hashem with gladness, come before Him with joyous song… for Hashem is good, His kindness endures forever…."
There is indeed much to be thankful for as b'siyata d'shmaya, with G-d's assistance and blessing, the heroic soldiers of the IDF with the support of the United States have achieved astonishing results, essentially redrawing the strategic map surrounding Israel. Yet there remains so much to pray for as the war in Gaza grinds on and fifty hostages remain in captivity.
Queen Esther prepared for her presentation to Achashverosh by gathering and unifying the Jewish people in fasting and prayer,"Lech k'nos et kol haYehudim" (Esther 4:16). Likewise, when Nechemya (2:4–5) was given the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the Jewish people to the Persian king, he responded, "Va'etpalel el Elokei haShamayim va'omar la'melech" — "I prayed to the G-d of the heavens and I said to the king…."
This is always the way of Klal Yisrael. Before our case is presented to those in the seats of power, we seek support from the King of Kings. Today we must all pray that Hashem guide Prime Minister Netanyahu and his team in their critical discussions. We daven to Hashem that they successfully bring freedom to all the hostages, bolster the security and the strength of Israel, and deliver true peace to Israel, the region, and the world. We pray for the wellbeing of the United States, for the President, and for all its leaders, and that Hashem place in their hearts to look and act favorably towards our people everywhere, Amen.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Moshe Hauer
Executive Vice President
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