It’s no secret: The Jewish world is having a spiritual renaissance. The tragedy of October 7th, followed by the waves of antisemitism around the world have us all feeling closer to our Judaism than before. This is especially true for Israel’s soldiers, who are fighting the physical battle for the Jewish People’s existence.
Thousands of soldiers who previously did not wear tzitzit are now embracing them as a form of protection. They’ve been filmed praying, saying the ‘shema’, and blowing the shofar in Gaza. After years of preconceived notions about mitzvot and religious people in general, many are seeing the tremendous outpouring of support from the religious communities and feeling unity through our traditions.
One mitzvah that has become popular among the soldiers is Shemirat Haloshon, the mitzvah of guarding one’s tongue against speaking badly of another person. In Judaism we learn that controlling one’s speech is a tremendous protection. Many soldiers have taken it upon themselves to learn this mitzvah and even wear ‘Loshon hara lo medaber elai’ (‘Loshon hara, doesn’t speak it to me’) bracelets.
The volunteer organization Loshon hara lo medaber elai has been on the Gaza border since the invasion began, giving out hot fresh food to soldiers returning from battle. These soldiers’ hearts are warmed by the hot food, and the hospitality, another show of unity between Jews of all kinds. The organization continues to encourage the soldiers to keep the mitzvah of Shemirat HaLoshon and it is a ray of light and hope for all in this dark time.
Funds are being collected to help purchase more food and materials for the soldiers. There are many tanks coming in and out every day, and without this food they are left to eat canned vegetables.