I feel so lucky and privileged to be writing this message sitting in the holy city of Jerusalem. As many of you may know I have joined the Mission to Israel trip, organised by the Rabbinical Council of NSW.

It’s hard to find the words that would describe the immense feelings I had when arriving here, seeing the old city of Jerusalem, and praying at the Kotel for the first time in 13 years. 

Yes, there were many special moments that were deeply moving and inspiring, just in the first two days of my trip. However, I would like to focus on two moments that are interconnected.

These two moments took place when I presented letters from the Year 4 students of Mount Sinai to the Soldiers at an Army base in the Gaza envelope.

The first one was, the way the soldiers received the letters with such love and appreciation, knowing that we in Australia are thinking of them and praying for them. It was a great moment of deep connection between our community and their sacrifice for the Jewish people. 

The second moment was when I was thanking the soldiers for their dedication and self-sacrifice. I expressed my amazement in their willingness to put their own life on the line.

They replied and said simply, “you don’t need to be amazed, this our duty.” One soldier continued to explain, that “this is what anyone would do for a family member.”

It was a moment of clarity of what it means to care for a fellow Jew. To help them because “it is our duty,” and that every Jew is Family. 

The Parsha this week discusses the idea of becoming holy. Although this may sound like a task for the righteous and very pious. But really it is something we can all do. 

We call this a “Kiddush Hashem.” It literally translates as sanctifying G-d’s name. This important task can be done anytime. When we behave like a “mensch,” this brings honour and respect to our people and G-d. 

Let’s do what we need to because “this is our duty,” and support and help our fellow Jews and feel that we are truly brothers and sisters.

Shabbat Shalom