Shared Heritage

by Elisheva bas Chana

Art by Brachi Horen

Yom HaShoah, we remember — not to understand and not even to memorialise the victims, but what we do about it. Through pain and despair, we raised a new generation committed to and proud of their heritage.

Yom Hazikaron, we remember the chayalim killed in action to defend Eretz Yisroel, as well as many of our people who were killed in terrorist attacks.

When the siren begins, everyone stops whatever they are doing and commemorates together.

It seems like our existence is a long road of pogroms, persecutions, and war, but somehow we do find a way to keep going. Jews do not break; we persevere. When we fall, we get up and keep going. There is no goal of perfection, but of persistent effort.

Perseverance is our soul power, for holy purposes like building a spiritual home — a sanctuary where emunah is essential to overcome our pain and turn our struggles and challenges into an opportunity for growth.

Our inner strength comes from being proactive and having the ability to get up, knowing struggles are temporary so we can continue our journey on a positive path.

The Jewish value of hatmada, to persevere, is about not giving up. Commitment and a positive attitude give us the ability to stick to something even though the circumstances are challenging.

One day we mourn; the next day we sing and dance.

From day one, a special bond exists between the Torah and the Jewish people, which is expressed in the very first word of the Torah — Bereshis. Often the word Bereshis is translated as “In the beginning”; the literal translation is “In the beginning of...”

Rashi’s commentary on this word does not translate it as “in” or “for,” but “for the sake of”:

For the sake of the Torah, which is called ראשית דרכו — the beginning of HaShem’s way, and for the sake of Israel, who are called ראשית תבואתו — the first of HaShem’s crop — Yirmiyahu 2:3.

And so, from the beginning, the Torah and the Jewish people are paired together, for Israel receiving and fulfilling the Torah — the purpose of creation. Matan Torah defines the Jewish people.

Addressing the Jewish people before they are about to enter the Promised Land, Moshe says to them:

“On this day you have become a nation to HaShem, your G-D.”

We are here for a Divine purpose, from the beginning to the End of Days, following the footsteps of the Moshiach and doing our part to be worthy and to be zoche to experience the coming of the Moshiach in a prepared and calm way.

Our love for Eretz Yisroel. The nation of Israel — one nation, one soul, and one body. Every Jew is a letter in the Torah, for six hundred thousand soul roots of Israel. A shortcoming in one Jew is a shortcoming in the Torah. Whatever our feelings, we should speak to HaShem instead of finding fault in another Jew. Ahavas Yisroel without exceptions.

Yom Hazikaron — we remember, we mourn the chayalim killed in action defending our homeland. The ongoing dispute about the draft. The difference between defending and protecting — defending when attacked, but protection comes from HaShem. A core tenet of Jewish faith, especially in times of crisis. Like the mezuzah on our doorposts, a spiritual shield.

HaShem’s blessings and the Torah are what have kept us surviving. In every generation they tried to destroy us, and it was HaShem who saved us from their hands.

We are grateful to HaShem for protecting us; we recite this every morning in our davening.

To be prepared for the coming of the Moshiach, we focus on the good — acts of chesed, tzedakah, intensifying Torah learning, and enhancing unity. Every positive action is building towards Geulah. Forming unity is necessary; keeping Shabbos holy ensures Jewish continuity.

The Rebbe encouraged us to simply study about the Moshiach; it brings a person into reality.

The final step includes recognising that the world is in a final and intense process, and to maintain faith through this process.

The time before the coming of the Moshiach is a period of intense challenges and spiritual awakening.

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Elisheva bas Chana – Celebrating the Heart of Yiddishkeit

Elisheva is a passionate voice for authentic Jewish life, blending Torah wisdom, mitzvos, and the timeless beauty of Yiddishkeit. Her writing shines a light on the strength and grace of Jewish women—from the legacy of Devorah Leah, daughter of the Alter Rebbe, to today’s women who live with faith, modesty, and purpose. Through her words, Elisheva celebrates Torah study, family purity, and radiant tznius, inspiring readers to embrace the joy, depth, and enduring spirit of Jewish tradition. Contact Elisheva.