The OU’s B’Yachad LaNetzach project, launched before Yom Hazikaron, aimed to commemorate the many chayalim who made the ultimate sacrifice in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, by pairing soldiers with shuls and schools.
Over 250 institutions participated and continue to participate in this project by learning and doing mitzvot in their soldiers’ memory and connecting to the bereaved family.
Join Rabbi Motzen as he interviews some of those who participated in this meaningful OU initiative. For more information about B’Yachad LaNetach, please email Rabbi Yisroel Motzen.
Sanctifying the Kinnos for the Kedoshim
As time progresses, the memory of the kedoshim who gave their lives for Am Yisrael risks being overshadowed. The emotional weight of ongoing crises, such as the plight of hostages and the recent war with Iran, can unintentionally diminish our collective remembrance.
While we intellectually understand the significance of their sacrifice, it’s essential to recognize the emotional reality many bereaved families face-feeling that their loved ones have been forgotten. We have the ability to change that.
This Tisha B’Av, as your community recalls the horrors of the two thousand years of exile, please consider dedicating one kinah in memory of a fallen soldier by taking a few moments before reciting the kinah to share the soldier’s story.
To provide a little hope and comfort to the soldier’s family, consider emailing a short message letting the family know what you are planning on doing and why.
If you do not have the family’s email address, we will be happy to try to connect you. Email us at byachadlanetzach@ou.org.
If your shul did not participate in B’yachad Lanetzach and you would like to find an appropriate soldier to connect to, Times of Israel has a collection of moving tributes that can be accessed here: https://www.timesofisrael.com/those-we-have-lost/.