Shabbat Shalom From the Skies of Tehran
“We, the pilots and navigators of the Israeli Air Force, are currently flying in formation over the skies of Tehran, on our way to strike targets of historical consequence,” a pilot says in footage released from inside the cockpit of Israeli fighter jets.
“We are in a campaign whose objective is to eliminate an existential threat to Israel,” the pilot continues. “We will reach anywhere, any enemy, for our country and for the security of our families. We will continue fighting as long as required, around the clock, and we feel your support at all times.
“We wish you, the citizens of Israel, a safe and quiet Shabbat. We will meet again at home.”
The video, released by the Israeli Air Force last Friday, shows pilots flying over hostile territory while preparing for a dangerous mission. Yet in that moment—amid the tension and responsibility of protecting their nation—the message they chose to share with the people of Israel was simple: a wish for a peaceful Shabbos.
Think about that contrast.
While our enemies seek to harm, destroy, and endanger even their own citizens in pursuit of violent and genocidal goals, our brave soldiers risk their lives to protect others. Even in the cockpit, at a moment of danger and intensity, their thoughts turn to the safety of their brothers and sisters, wishing them a peaceful Shabbat!
Why Shabbos Matters So Much
Researchers who study religion and culture often point out something remarkable: Shabbos is the most widely practiced Jewish ritual in the world, even among Jews who do not otherwise consider themselves religious.
Why?
Because Shabbos is not only a tradition—it is the rhythm of Jewish life.
Sociologists note that rituals repeated weekly become deeply embedded habits. Even a simple practice—such as gathering for a Shabbat dinner—can become a powerful anchor in family life and connection with our identity.
Research also shows that families who maintain weekly rituals are far more likely to preserve cultural and religious identity across generations.
In other words, Shabbos sustains Jewish continuity.
Disconnect to Reconnect
In today’s world, technology keeps us constantly connected—but paradoxically, many people feel more isolated than ever.
Our society is facing a growing public health challenge marked by rising levels of anxiety, loneliness, dissatisfaction, and depression.
Technology offers extraordinary opportunities for growth and prosperity. Yet if not managed carefully, it can also turn us into captives of our own devices—gradually distancing us from our families, our emotions, and even our own souls.
Shabbos offers the antidote.
It gives us a sacred space to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with what truly matters:
Family. Community. Faith. Purpose.
The Torah’s Vision of Shabbos
In this week’s Torah portion, Vayakhel-Pikudei, we read about the mitzvah of Shabbos:
“Six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have sanctity, a day of complete rest to the Lord…”
(Exodus 35:2)
Shabbos is far more than a day off from work. It is a spiritual anchor that grounds us in faith and purpose.
The Zohar teaches:
“Shabbos brings blessing to the rest of the week.”
Throughout the week we work hard, pursue our responsibilities, and strive to build meaningful lives. But Shabbos reminds us why we are working in the first place.
It invites us to pause, step back from the rush of daily life, and reconnect with our Jewish identity, our families, and our Creator.
A Reminder of G-d’s Presence
At its core, Shabbos instills a powerful awareness that G-d created and governs the world and ultimately provides for our needs.
This realization transforms our outlook. Work no longer consumes us. Instead, our hearts and minds remain focused on the true purpose of life:
Raising strong Jewish families, contributing generously to our communities, deepening our relationship with G-d, and improving the world through Torah and mitzvos.
Through these actions, we transform the world into a dwelling place for the Divine.
A Call to Experience Shabbos
Let us come together in profound gratitude to G‑d for the miracle that unfolded yesterday at Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, when a terrorist attempted the unthinkable on a campus filled with young children. Thank G‑d, the threat was neutralized and no lives were lost.
In the face of rising antisemitism and challenges to our community, we are called not to fear but to respond with resilience, faith and unity. This Shabbat, let us celebrate with even greater joy and commitment to our families, our communities, and our sacred heritage.
For those who are just beginning to explore Shabbos, start small. Try observing the first few hours:
Light Shabbos candles before sunset on Friday.
Share a Shabbos meal with family or friends.
Begin the meal with reciting Kiddush and share an inspiring Torah thought.
Set aside phones and digital distractions.
Allow yourself to experience the peace and presence of Shabbos.
For those who already observe Shabbos, consider deepening the experience and sharing it with others:
Invite a neighbor or friend to join your Shabbat dinner
Avoid business or political discussions.
Spend more time with family.
Engage in prayer, Torah learning, and reflection.
Each step brings greater meaning and connection.
A Glimpse of the Future
Just as the weekly cycle culminates in Shabbos, Jewish tradition teaches that history itself is moving toward a time of redemption—a world of peace and unity often described as a global Shabbos.
The great scholar Nachmanides explains that the six days of Creation correspond to six thousand years of human history.
According to the Jewish calendar, we are now in the year 5786, approaching the close of the sixth millennium—symbolically comparable to Friday afternoon right before sunset.
We are approaching the threshold of the ultimate Shabbos: the era of Moshiach, a time when peace, holiness, and divine awareness will fill the world.
May we merit to see that day speedily in our time.
