IDF Memorial Day

Many believe, superficially, that on Yom HaZikaron it is our duty to bow our heads in sorrow. The truth, however, is just the opposite.

One who is immersed in love for God to the extent of R' Akiva, sees and knows God always. He lives the recognition that whatever happens to us is for the best.

The Knesset decided that “Two minutes of silence will be observed throughout the entire country, during which all work and travel will cease.”

From a halakhic standpoint, there is no need to institute a general memorial day for the holy soldiers who were killed in battle.

Israel is a roller-coaster, a thrill ride; We are currently in the "sandwich," in the segment between the twin triumphs of our glorious redemption from Egypt, and "Exodus 1948," when we re-established ourselves as a sovereign country.

A personal note from Rabbi Zalman Melamed, as a young Army Rabbi, to a bereaved family.

The young State of Israel has seen so many wars, and the question is: We would have thought that the redemptive process of Y'mot HaMashiach would include gradually having more and more peace! We shouldn't be surprised because the prophets teach us that Milchamot Gog u'Magog, where the nations try and take away the Land of Israel, is part of the plan, but why? Rav Kook relates to the Godly altruism and unity which inevitably are part of war, not only on the battle field but where all Jews especially help each other, more than usual. The class deals with the innocent and righteous who are killed in war, and the special status of the non-religious soldiers in their especially unique altruism.

The holy soldiers who fought for the cause, all too often paying the ultimate price

"Despite the great differences between us there is much more uniting us than separating us."