Reflecting on the IDF

This morning we heard from Rabbi Ethan Katz of NJ NCSY about his experience in the IDF. He shared personal stories and lessons that he gained from this critical and defining time during his life. After hearing from him, we watched a very powerful film called A Hero in Heaven, which weaves the tragic life story of Michael Levine a”h, a long soldier who died defending Israel. Despite all the harships he faced in the process of joining the army, he never gave up on his dream to serve his people and died protecting that which he most loved. Tomorrow is Michael’s yartzheit and we will have the merit of visiting his kever on Har Hertzel to pay him, and countless other soldiers, our respect.