Dear Readers:

The current perilous situation in Eretz Yisroel is on all of our minds and in our tefillos. Horav Simcha HaCohen Kook, Shlit”a(chief Rabbi of Rechovot, Israel) and the Bostoner Rebbe, Horav Levi Yitzchok Horowitz, Shlit”a of Har Nof, Israel have guided and launched an amazing project utilizing the wonders of modern technology called “Operation Tefillah, Torah and Troops.” They have collected the names (first name and mother’s name) of thousands of Israeli soldiers and are requesting that Jews around the world each “adopt” a soldier. Each person who joins should daven, say Tehillim, learn Torah, and do special acts of chesed (kindness) with this soldier in mind.

To join “Operation Tefillah, Torah, and Troops” and receive the name of an Israeli soldier to daven for, send an email to the office of Rav Simcha Kook at maortlmo@gmail.com or fax 011.972.8.945.0027.

Below is a copy of the letter written by Horav Kook and the Bostoner Rebbe:

An Open Letter to all Achenu Bene Yisroel

After learning about the heart rendering appeal of the Gedolei Torah to intensify our Tefilos and Torah learning during this very trying time for Klal Yisroel, we have undertaken to join and aid them in their prayers.

The Medrash Rabah and the Yalkut relate that during the war against Midyon, for every one that went out to battle there was a designated person whose task it was to pray and learn for him.

The Great Gaon and Sage Rebbe Chaim Kanievsky, Shlit”a when asked about this tradition pointed out that Dovid Hemelech, as well continued and instituted the practice, that for every individual who was in combat, there was another person selected for the specific task of praying and learning for him.

Therefore in order to continue and accomplish this Minhag, we ask soldiers and/or their relatives who would want a "partner" in Torah and Tefillah to email maortlmo@gmail.com or fax 011 9728 9450027 and give their Hebrew name and mothers Hebrew name without any other particulars such as family name or other identifying factors, so that we may disseminate them among those who heed the call to add Torah and Tefiloh for the sake of those who find themselves in jeopardy ח"ו. Anyone who finds himself or herself ח"וin danger or in shelters because of the war may also feel free to call or email to the above.

To bond with us and receive a name of your "partner" please email or fax the above.

May Klal Yisroel in the merit of joining together, speedily see a successful end to this trial and campaign as quoted in the Parsha "without loss of life."