A Boy Who Galvanized a Nation

This morning, after more than 24 agonizing hours, four-year-old Yuval Kogan, who had disappeared near Hofit Beach in Ashkelon, Israel, was miraclously found alive.

His disappearance sparked an extraordinary nationwide search. Hundreds of police officers, Border Police personnel, rescue volunteers, civilians, and even Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) teams joined the effort.

The miracle unfolded in the most unexpected way.

A civilian volunteer riding on horseback unexpectedly came across Yuval standing beneath a tree.

Overcome with emotion, the volunteer shared a video recording with the boy's family:

"I took a wrong turn, and suddenly I noticed the child standing under a tree. There is a G-d in this world. This is a child who brought the entire country to its feet. Everyone should say a chapter of Tehillim (Psalms) or Mizmor L'Todah (song of thanks). We did this together, with unity and unconditional love."

As details of the rescue emerged, another remarkable initiative came to light.

A Parallel Search

When news of Yuval's disappearance first spread, the local Chabad emissary in Ashkelon immediately visited the family's home to offer comfort, support, and practical assistance.

As part of his visit, he suggested checking the family's mezuzot. Several doorways were found to be missing kosher mezuzot, and he immediately helped the family affix them. He then gathered family members and friends to recite the Twelve Torah Passages, a collection of verses and teachings encouraged by the Chabad Rebbe that emphasize the foundations of Jewish faith and practice.

Among these passages is the Shema, which appears in this week's Torah portion. While best known as Judaism's declaration of the oneness of G-d, the Shema also encourages us to bring our faith into everyday life, teaching Torah to our children, wearing tefillin, and placing a mezuzah upon the doorposts of our homes.

Only minutes after the mezuzot were affixed and the passages recited, Yuval's mother received the phone call every parent longs to hear:

Her son had been found alive.

No one can explain the ways of Divine Providence, nor can we draw our own conclusions from events of this magnitude. Yet moments like these inspire us to strengthen our faith, our unity, and deepen our commitment to the mitzvot that connect us with G-d.

A Spiritual Layer of Protection

Judaism teaches that our physical and spiritual lives are deeply connected. Just as the body depends upon the soul for life, our physical well-being is enriched and safeguarded through our connection to G-d and the performance of mitzvot.

For this reason, whenever people approached the Rebbe during times of challenge—whether medical, financial, or personal etc.—he would often encourage them to have their tefillin and mezuzot checked to ensure they were kosher and in proper condition.

The Rebbe explained that this should not be viewed as a substitute for practical action. Rather, he compared the mezuzah to a soldier's helmet. A helmet does not prevent every danger, nor does it replace proper training and caution. But when unexpected dangers arise, it provides an essential layer of protection.

Similarly, a kosher mezuzah serves as a spiritual safeguard for the home and its inhabitants. It reminds us that while we must do everything within our power in the natural world, we also seek G-d's blessing and protection in all that we do.

More Than a Piece of Parchment

This week's Torah portion Vaetchanan teaches:

"And you shall inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 11:20).

The mezuzah is far more than a symbol of Jewish identity.

It proclaims that every aspect of our home is dedicated to a higher purpose. Every time we enter or leave, we are reminded that our homes are meant to be places of holiness, kindness, learning, and faith.

The Sages teach that the mezuzah provides a unique measure of protection for those who dwell within the home, as well as those who come and go.

Maimonides explains its deeper significance:

"Whenever one enters or leaves a home with the mezuzah on the doorpost, he encounters the declaration of G-d's unity... and is awakened from his sleep and his absorption in the vanities of the world."

The mezuzah protects not only physically, but spiritually. It redirects our attention from life's distractions to our true purpose.

Building a Home for G-d

Judaism teaches that the ultimate purpose of creation is to make this physical world into a dwelling place for G-d.

That mission begins at home.

By placing a kosher mezuzah on the doorways of our homes and businesses, we affirm that they are not merely places where we live and earn a livelihood. They are places where kindness is practiced, families are nurtured, Torah is learned, guests are welcomed, and holiness is woven into everyday life.

The mezuzah reminds us that our relationship with G-d does not remain inside the synagogue. It accompanies us into our homes, our businesses, and every aspect of our daily lives.

Responding with Strength

At a time when antisemitism continues to rise around the world and support for Israel is increasingly challenged, some may feel pressure to hide their Jewish identity.

Judaism teaches the opposite response.

The answer is not fewer mezuzot.

It is more.

Every kosher mezuzah affixed to a home or business is a quiet yet powerful declaration that we are proud of who we are and committed to living Jewish lives with confidence, purpose, and joy.

One of the most meaningful responses we can make is to ensure that our own homes have kosher mezuzot on every required doorway and to help family members, friends, and neighbors do the same.

May our mezuzot bring blessing and protection to our homes, our communities, and our brothers and sisters in Israel and around the world. May we merit the safe return of all the hostages, the protection of our courageous soldiers, and the day when the entire Jewish people will live together in peace in the Land of Israel with the coming of Moshiach, speedily in our days.