In the Depths of Gaza: A Search for Meaning
Left: Omer praying for the return of his fellow hostages at the resting place of the Rebbe in Queens. Right: Omer's father helping him put on Tefillin
A Spark of Faith in the Depths of Captivity
Omer Shem Tov was just 20 years old when he was abducted during the brutal October 7th terror attack on Israel. Raised in a mostly traditional home, Omer had never been particularly observant, but he had always carried a quiet belief in G-d. That belief became his anchor during the 505 harrowing days of captivity that followed.
Alone, hungry, and often in total darkness, Omer began speaking to G-d. He started blessing the meager food he was given and made a personal decision to keep kosher as best he could.
Just one week into captivity, he made a vow: If he survived, he would put on tefillin and pray daily.
He began reciting the Shema, and even tried to make Kiddush every Friday night using a small bottle of grape-flavored drink, placing his hand on his head in place of a kippah.
When his situation became unbearable, Omer pleaded with G-d to be moved. Miraculously, minutes later, his captors transferred him from a stifling, pitch-dark cell into a larger, lit chamber. “It was paradise,” he said.
These small moments gave him strength—reminders that he was not alone.
A Divine Message in Disguise
One day, Omer's captors handed him some reading materials they had found, which were left behind by IDF soldiers, suspecting they might contain Israeli military codes. They asked him to translate for them.
To his amazement, the papers weren't military documents at all—they were an issue of Dvar Malchut, a weekly Chabad publication. The booklet, nearly 250 pages long, included Torah and commentary, Talmud, mystical wisdom, along with the inspiring teachings and insights of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
Omer was desperate to keep it. He begged his captors, offering to cook, clean, whatever it took to hold onto the book. Miraculously, they agreed.
That particular issue included reflections on the Torah portion about Joseph, who was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, and through unwavering faith, rose to become the viceroy of Egypt.
Omer saw himself in Joseph. He, too, was in a pit—literally and figuratively. But he believed he would rise again.
Returning With Purpose
Today, at 22, Omer, thank G-d, is back home. He puts on tefillin every morning, as he promised. He recently completed a speaking tour in the United States, sharing his story with tens of thousands, and inspiring Jewish communities around the world.
Whenever Omer is asked how he kept his faith and optimism during his captivity, his message is consistently clear:
"G-d puts us exactly where we're meant to be. Even when life feels unbearable, we are never truly alone. Every moment has purpose."
A Lesson from This Week's Torah Portion – Parshat Pinchas
This week's Torah portion beautifully echoes Omer's message of faith and purpose. In Parshat Pinchas, G-d commands Moses to allocate the Land of Israel to the tribes. While the land was divided according to each tribe's size and needs, it was ultimately assigned through a Divine lottery—ensuring that each tribe received the portion destined for them.
As Rashi explains, the process reflected both practical and spiritual precision. Farmers received fertile land; merchants were given access to the coast. Though the portions were unequal in appearance, they were uniquely suited to their recipients.
To prevent jealousy and comparison, G-d made the allocations known through a public and prophetic lottery. Each family understood that their piece of land, with all its strengths and weaknesses, was meant for them. And because it was divinely ordained, they embraced it with gratitude.
Transforming Our Portion of the World
Just as the Israelites were tasked with conquering the land of Canaan and transforming it into a holy land, a fundamental idea in Judaism teaches that we are each entrusted with a corner of the world to transform into a mini-Israel, a dwelling place for G-d.
We are not here to live someone else's story. Our challenges, talents, and opportunities are custom-made. When we stop comparing and start embracing our Divine mission, we discover true joy and meaning.
Hope During the Three Weeks
We are now in the period known as The Three Weeks, a time of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples. But while it is a period of solemn introspection, it is also one of deep hope and rebuilding. Our sages teach that in the era of Redemption, this time will be transformed into a time of joy.
Throughout history, the Jewish people have endured unimaginable suffering—exile, persecution, pogroms, the Holocaust, and now modern terrorism. And yet, through it all, we have continued to survive, grow, and thrive—spreading light, morality, faith, and kindness across the world.
Every act of goodness, every mitzvah, every moment of faith—especially in the darkest times—brings us closer to that final redemption.
Let us do another mitzvah. Say another prayer. Unite with one another.
And let us pray for the safe return of the hostages, for peace in Israel, and for the coming of Moshiach now!