Three years ago, your shul received a picture of a chayal who was killed al kiddush Hashem as part of the OU’s B’yachad Lanetzach program.

While the need to memorialize these soldiers was felt most deeply in the immediate aftermath of October 7th, we believe there is an even greater need to remember them now — almost three years later.

The families of these soldiers live with an unfillable void. Their pain is only compounded by the feeling that the country has moved on, distracted by the seemingly never-ending war and the natural effects of time.

This initiative began with the encouragement of Racheli Fraenkel, who shared how much the community’s continued memory of her son means to her. She made it clear that we cannot simply move on.

With this in mind, we are offering participating shuls the opportunity to re-establish a meaningful relationship with the family of their designated soldier through four touchpoints over the course of the year:

1. Flowers before Sukkos
   We will send flowers on your behalf, showing the family that even during the busiest time of year, we are thinking of them and hoping to bring them some joy.
2. Mishloach Manos on Purim
   We will send Mishloach Manos on your behalf, conveying that same message of remembrance and care.
3. Personal outreach during the year
   We ask your shul to reach out to the family once during the year. We will provide you with the family’s contact information.
4. A Tisha B’Av dedication
   We ask your shul to dedicate one Kinnah on Tisha B’Av in memory of your soldier. Please speak about the soldier, and if possible, send a recording to the family. It will mean so much to them.

Please fill out this form to continue remembering the Kadosh who gave his life for the Jewish People, and to bring nechama to his family.

There is a charge of $180 to cover the costs.

If you have any questions, please contact Rabbi Yisrael Motzen.