Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to ask our Upper School students how many of them have family members currently serving in Tzahal, the Israel Defense Forces. Twenty hands rose, a much larger number than I had expected. As I scanned the room, I saw that some of the hands raised were of students reflecting on their older siblings – alumni of our school – who were presently serving in Tzahal. In recent years, more than 10% of each graduating class has concluded their studies at Maimonides with a plan to join the Israeli army, either directly or following a period of Torah study. We pray for their safety and are proud of their commitment to the Jewish people and to Medinat Yisrael. Our students were gathering to reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, a sad but inspiring moment in the history of our nation and one that many of our current students, born decades after the war, know very little about. We took the opportunity to spark our older students’ thinking about the tragedy of the war, the continued divine protection that saved Israel even in its most challenging moments, and the herculean commitment of the residents of Israel to defend the country during those times. Maimonides School is passionately Zionistic, and it is important for our community’s future adults to fully understand how bravely Israel’s defenders fought and how fortunate we are that Israel remains strong. Our group discussions of Israel typically focus on the victories, the celebrations, and the successes. But it is important for our students, particularly the older ones with greater sophistication, to appreciate the challenges as well. Inspiration can be found in enduring challenges just as it is found in miraculous successes. This is part of the lesson of Israel. If younger children are sophisticated enough for this conversation, consider discussing the Yom Kippur War with them this Shabbat, and reflect upon the complex feelings it raises: Gratitude that Israel survived, coupled with mourning for those who lost their lives al kiddush Hashem. This Yom Kippur we will pray numerous times for shalom, peace. The prayer of the Kohen Gadol after the avodah beautifully asks for “a year when You will bless our going to and returning from battle, a year when You will save our congregation, a year when Your mercy will be inspired upon us, a year of peace and serenity.” Today we live in safer communities, a safer country, and a safer time than most of our ancestors, and part of the way we show hakarat hatov to Hashem for this peace is through asking each Yom Kippur for it to continue. Fifty years ago Medinat Yisrael learned tragically that we must always continue to pray that our peace will last; we will continue to daven for peace on this Yom Kippur as well. Wishing our entire community a year of life, peace, health, and happiness in 5784. | 
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